bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced Transforming Growth Factor-β Activity in the Endometrium of Women With Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Authors: Maybin Jacqueline A. , Boswell Lyndsey , Young Vicky J. , Duncan William C. , Critchley Hilary O. D. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractContext:Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is common and incapacitating. Aberrant menstrual endometrial repair may result in HMB. The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily contributes to tissue repair, but its role in HMB is unknown.Objective:We hypothesized that TGF-β1 is important for endometrial repair, and women with HMB have aberrant TGF-β1 activity at menses.Participants/Setting:Endometrial biopsies were collected from women, and menstrual blood loss objectively measured [HMB &gt;80 mL/cycle; normal menstrual bleeding (NMB) &lt;80 mL].Design:Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction examined endometrial TGF-β1 ligand, receptors, and downstream SMADs in women with NMB and HMB. The function and regulation of TGF-β1 were examined using cell culture.Results:TGFB1 mRNA was maximal immediately prior to menses, but no differences detected between women with NMB and HMB at any cycle stage. Histoscoring of TGFB1 revealed reduced staining in the stroma during menses in women with HMB (P &lt; 0.05). There were no significant differences in TGFBR1/2 or TGFBR1/2 immunostaining. Cortisol increased activation of TGFB1 in the supernatant of human endometrial stromal cells (HES; P &lt; 0.05) via thrombospondin-1. Endometrial SMAD2 and SMAD3 were lower in women with HMB during menstruation (P &lt; 0.05), and decreased phosphorylated SMAD2/3 immunostaining was seen in glandular epithelial cells during the late secretory phase (P &lt; 0.05). Wound scratch assays revealed increased repair in HES cells treated with TGF-β1 versus control (P &lt; 0.05).Conclusions:Women with HMB had decreased TGF-β1 and SMADs perimenstrually. Cortisol activated latent TGF-β1 to enhance endometrial stromal cell repair. Decreased TGF-β1 activity may hinder repair of the denuded menstrual endometrium, resulting in HMB.
Skeletal Complications and Mortality in Thyroid Cancer: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Choksi Palak , Papaleontiou Maria , Guo Cui , Worden Francis , Banerjee Mousumi , Haymart Megan 
Published: April 2017

AbstractContext:Although bone is a common site for tumor metastases, the burden of bone events [bone metastases and skeletal-related events (SREs)] in patients with thyroid cancer is not well known.Objective:To measure the prevalence of bone events and their impact on mortality in patients with thyroid cancer.Patients, Design, and Setting:We identified patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer between 1991 and 2011 from the linked Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results–Medicare dataset. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors for bone metastases and SREs. We used Cox proportional hazards regressions to assess the impact of these events on mortality, after adjusting for patient and tumor characteristics.Results:Of the 30,063 patients with thyroid cancer, 1173 (3.9%) developed bone metastases and 1661 patients (5.5%) developed an SRE. Compared with papillary thyroid cancer, the likelihood of developing bone metastases or an SRE was higher in follicular thyroid cancer [odds ratio (OR), 2.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.85 to 2.74 and OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.68, respectively] and medullary thyroid cancer (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.60 to 2.86 and OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.11, respectively). The occurrence of a bone event was associated with greater risk of overall and disease-specific mortality [hazard ratio (HR), 2.14; 95% CI, 1.94 to 2.36 and HR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.48 to 1.71, respectively]. Bone events were a poor prognostic indicator even when compared with patients with other distant metastases (P &lt; 0.001 and P &lt; 0.001 for overall and disease-specific mortality, respectively).Conclusions:Bone events in patients with thyroid cancer are a poor prognostic indicator. Patients with follicular and medullary thyroid cancers are at especially high risk for skeletal complications.
The Effect of a Subcutaneous Infusion of GLP-1, OXM, and PYY on Energy Intake and Expenditure in Obese Volunteers
Authors: Tan Tricia , Behary Preeshila , Tharakan George , Minnion James , Al-Najim Werd , Albrechtsen Nicolai J. Wewer , Holst Jens J. , Bloom Stephen R. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Background:
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is currently the most effective treatment of obesity, although limited by availability and operative risk. The gut hormones Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), Peptide YY (PYY), and Oxyntomodulin (OXM) are elevated postprandially after RYGB, which has been postulated to contribute to its metabolic benefits.

Objective:
We hypothesized that infusion of the three gut hormones to achieve levels similar to those encountered postprandially in RYGB patients might be effective in suppressing appetite. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a continuous infusion of GLP-1, OXM, and PYY (GOP) on energy intake and expenditure in obese volunteers.

Methods:
Obese volunteers were randomized to receive an infusion of GOP or placebo in a single-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study for 10.5 hours a day. This was delivered subcutaneously using a pump device, allowing volunteers to remain ambulatory. Ad libitum food intake studies were performed during the infusion, and energy expenditure was measured using a ventilated hood calorimeter.

Results:
Postprandial levels of GLP-1, OXM, and PYY seen post RYGB were successfully matched using 4 pmol/kg/min, 4 pmol/kg/min, and 0.4 pmol/kg/min, respectively. This dose led to a mean reduction of 32% in food intake. No significant effects on resting energy expenditure were observed.

Conclusion:
This is, to our knowledge, the first time that an acute continuous subcutaneous infusion of GOP, replicating the postprandial levels observed after RYGB, is shown to be safe and effective in reducing food intake. This data suggests that triple hormone therapy might be a useful tool against obesity.
Patients undergoing surgical hip dislocation for the treatment of acetabular fractures show favourable long-term outcome
Authors: Haefeli P. C. , Marecek G. S. , Keel M. J. B. , Siebenrock K. A. , Tannast M. 
Published: April 2017

Aims The aims of this study were to determine the cumulative ten-year survivorship of hips treated for acetabular fractures using surgical hip dislocation and to identify factors predictive of an unfavourable outcome. Patients and Methods We followed up 60 consecutive patients (61 hips; mean age 36.3 years, standard deviation (sd) 15) who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for a displaced fracture of the acetabulum (24 posterior wall, 18 transverse and posterior wall, ten transverse, and nine others) with a mean follow-up of 12.4 years (sd 3). Results Clinical grading was assessed using the modified Merle d’Aubigné score. Radiographic osteoarthritis was graded according to Matta. Kaplan-Meier survivorship and a univariate Cox-regression analysis were carried out using the following endpoints: total hip arthroplasty, a Merle d’Aubigné score of < 15 and/or progression of osteoarthritis. Conclusion The ten-year cumulative survivorship was 82% (95% confidence interval 71 to 92). Predictors for the defined endpoints were femoral chondral lesions, marginal impaction, duration of surgery, and age of patient. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:508–15.
The management of open tibial fractures in children
Authors: Nandra R. S. , Wu F. , Gaffey A. , Bache C. E. 
Published: April 2017

AimsFollowing the introduction of national standards in 2009, most major paediatric trauma is now triaged to specialist units offering combined orthopaedic and plastic surgical expertise. We investigated the management of open tibia fractures at a paediatric trauma centre, primarily reporting the risk of infection and rate of union.Patients and MethodsA retrospective review was performed on 61 children who between 2007 and 2015 presented with an open tibia fracture. Their mean age was nine years (2 to 16) and the median follow-up was ten months (interquartile range 5 to 18). Management involved IV antibiotics, early debridement and combined treatment of the skeletal and soft-tissue injuries in line with standards proposed by the British Orthopaedic Association.ResultsThere were 36 diaphyseal fractures and 25 distal tibial fractures. Of the distal fractures, eight involved the physis. Motor vehicle collisions accounted for two thirds of the injuries and 38 patients (62%) arrived outside of normal working hours. The initial method of stabilisation comprised: casting in nine cases (15%); elastic nailing in 19 (31%); Kirschner (K)-wiring in 13 (21%); intramedullary nailing in one (2%); open reduction and plate fixation in four (7%); and external fixation in 15 (25%). Wound management comprised: primary wound closure in 24 (39%), delayed primary closure in 11 (18%), split skin graft (SSG) in eight (13%), local flap with SSG in 17 (28%) and a free flap in one. A total of 43 fractures (70%) were Gustilo-Anderson grade III. There were four superficial (6.6%) and three (4.9%) deep infections. Two deep infections occurred following open reduction and plate fixation and the third after K-wire fixation of a distal fracture. No patient who underwent primary wound closure developed an infection. All the fractures united, although nine patients required revision of a mono-lateral to circular frame for delayed union (two) or for altered alignment or length (seven). The mean time to union was two weeks longer in diaphyseal fractures than in distal fractures (13 weeks versus 10.8 weeks, p = 0.016). Children aged > 12 years had a significantly longer time to union than those aged < 12 years (16.3 weeks versus 11.4 weeks, p = 0.045). The length of stay in hospital for patients with a Gustilo-Anderson grade IIIB fracture was twice as long as for less severe injuries.ConclusionFractures in children heal better than those in adults. Based on our experience of deep infection we discourage the use of internal fixation with a plate for open tibial fractures in children. We advocate aggressive initial wound debridement in theatre with early definitive combined orthopaedic and plastic surgery in order to obtain skeletal stabilisation and soft-tissue cover. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:544–53.
The evolution of fracture clinic design
Authors: White T. O. , Mackenzie S. P. , Carter T. H. , Jefferies J. G. , Prescott O. R. , Duckworth A. D. , Keating J. F. 
Published: April 2017

Aims Fracture clinics are often characterised by the referral of large numbers of unselected patients with minor injuries not requiring investigation or intervention, long waiting times and recurrent unnecessary reviews. Our experience had been of an unsustainable system and we implemented a ‘Trauma Triage Clinic’ (TTC) in order to rationalise and regulate access to our fracture service. The British Orthopaedic Association’s guidelines have required a prospective evaluation of this change of practice, and we report our experience and results. Patients and Methods We review the management of all 12 069 patients referred to our service in the calendar year 2014, with a minimum of one year follow-up during the calendar year 2015. Results Following the successful introduction of the TTC, only 2836 patients (23.5%) who would previously have been reviewed in the general fracture clinic were brought back to such a clinic to be seen by a surgeon. An additional 2366 patients (19.6%) were brought back to a sub-specialist injury-specific clinic. Another 2776 patients (23%) with relatively predictable injuries were reviewed by a nurse practitioner according to an established protocol or specific consultant instructions. A further 3222 patients (26.7%) were discharged from the service without attending the clinic. No significant errors or omissions occurred with the introduction of the TTC. Conclusion We have found that our TTC allows large numbers of referrals to be reviewed and triaged safely and effectively, to the benefit and satisfaction of patients, consultants, trainees, staff and the organisation. This paper provides the first large-scale review of the instigation of a TTC, and its effect, acceptability and safety. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:503–7.
SCFE: Clinical aspects, diagnosis, and classification
Authors: Millis M. B. 
Published: April 2017

Purpose This article seeks to improve treatment outcomes in slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) by outlining advances in diagnosis, understanding of pathomechanics, and mechanically-based classification. Methods Review of clinical experience with SCFE at our high-volume centre, interaction with other clinical experts, and literature review has allowed a current perspective to be articulated Results SCFE remains an important clinical problem, with late diagnosis still frequent. Improved understanding of the ubiquity of femoroacetabular impingement has guided current classification and treatment protocols Conclusion SCFE is an important clinical problem, with high historical rates of impaired hip function both in childhood and adulthood. Great opportunities exist for improved outcomes following earliest possible clinical diagnosis, modern imaging, and mechanically-based classification of involved hips to allow optimal treatment.
The modified Dunn procedure for slipped capital femoral epiphysis: The Bernese experience
Authors: Tannast M. , Jost L. M. , Lerch T. D. , Schmaranzer F. , Ziebarth K. , Siebenrock K. A. 
Published: April 2017

Purpose Based on previous investigations on the vascular blood supply to the femoral head, a technique for anatomical reduction after slipped capital femoral epiphysis was developed. This technique is a modification of the original technique by Dunn using a retinacular soft-tissue flap. This allows the visual control of the epiphyseal vascular blood supply. We report the experience at the inventor's institution with a critical discussion of the available literature. Methods Using a trochanteric osteotomy for surgical dislocation of the hip, a retinacular soft tissue flap is created containing the deep branch of the medial femoral circumflex artery, the external rotators and the capsule. The femoral epiphysis can be mobilised safely and reduced on the femoral neck after resection of the almost constantly present reactive metaphyseal callus. Results In our institution, the rate of avascular necrosis with 2% is comparably low to Dunn's original results. It is only present in cases where no bleeding was already evident before reduction of the epiphysis. The ten-year long-term results are favorable in these cases with a good functional result and only little progression of osteoarthritis. However, other authors have reported higher rates of avascular necrosis up to 24% in their initial experience. Conclusions In experienced hands using the correct meticulous surgical technique, the results are favorable regarding the rates of avascular necrosis, the functional outcome and the development of radiographic osteoarthritis – even in acute and severe cases. Avascular necrosis is rare but can be observed if there is no evidence of intra-operative femoral head perfusion before and after reduction of the epiphysis.
Effective Dye Removal from Waste Water Using a Novel Low-Cost NaOH-Modified Fly Ash
Authors: Gao Xiaoming , Dai Yuan , Zhang Yu , Zhai Xiang , Fu Feng 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDyes are toxic and considered to be extremely hazardous to natural environments. Hence, adsorbents to remove dyes from contaminated water are needed. To develop adsorbents with a high adsorption capacity for different dyes, easy separation, and low cost, a novel dye adsorbent was prepared by activating fly ash with NaOH. The adsorbent morphology, structure, and specific surface area were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and surface area measurements using N2 adsorption-desorption. The adsorption abilities of the synthesized adsorbents were examined based on methylene blue and acid fuchsin adsorption from water. The capabilities of the adsorbents as a function of adsorbent use, dye type, dye concentration, time, and pH were investigated and compared. The results for methylene blue and acid fuchsin adsorption were modeled using pseudo-second order kinetics and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, respectively. These modified adsorbents synthesized from fly ash may provide a promising solution to purify dye-contaminated waste water with the advantages of high efficiency and low cost.
Application of Multivariate Analysis in the Assessment of Ceramic Raw Materials
Authors: Lisboa José V. , Rocha Fernando , de Oliveira Daniel P. S. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to discriminate between distinct types of clay units by applying multivariate statistical techniques, which have seldom been applied to the exploitation of ceramic clays. At the outcrop scale, texturally similar argillaceous or clayey layers of different ceramic types cannot be effectively distinguished, which can result in the misuse and loss of raw materials. Representative samples of clayey raw materials from central Portugal Cenozoic deposits with potential use in the manufacture of structural clay products were first assessed for granulometric, mineralogical, chemical, and technological properties. Based on those properties and the use of multivariate statistical techniques, i.e., factor analysis (FA) and cluster analysis (CA), a novel statistical approach that combined all these variable properties was produced. This approach made it possible to distinguish the ceramic suitability and perceive which parameters most influence that suitability. The use of R-mode FA made it feasible to differentiate and group samples based on the most influential variables: the contents of Al2O3, Fe, illite, quartz, feldspars, and K2O. The use of R-mode CA substantiated the FA results in the identification of influential variables, such as Al2O3, Fe, and illite. The use of Q-mode CA established two main clusters: clayey-silt samples and sandy and/or feldspathic samples, the clayey-silt samples encompassed three sub-clusters. These three sub-clusters match ceramic types with different suitabilities and relate sample stratigraphic setting to the encompassing stratigraphic units. Diagrams that relate the grain size, the content of different oxides, the content of different minerals, and the plasticity to the ceramic suitability illustrate the CA groupings. An adequate blend of sand and clay for red stoneware (bricks and tiles) manufacture was indicated as a major requirement for most raw materials of the clayey-silt cluster. Raw materials represented by the sandy and/or feldspathic cluster can either be used to blend with materials that lack sand or to blend with excessively plastic samples.
Evaluation of the Moisture Change Ability of Selected Crop Seeds
Authors: Kornarzyński Krzysztof , Gładyszewska Bożena 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The objective of the paper was to investigate the moisture change ability of bean, broad bean, pea, lupine, radish, beetroot, winter wheat, maize, cucumber, pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Seeds absorbed water in the system for measurement of the water absorption kinetics with the capillary and weighting method. The research results were presented in the form of plots of the relation of kinetics of the moisture change of seeds in the time for the first and second stage of the process which precedes germination. Moreover, the water content in seeds for the time of the end of the second stage of water absorption was determined and the maximum water absorption speed coefficient and the time of its obtaining was calculated. The water content for the end of the 2nd stage of its collection was the highest for seeds which include a hard caryopsis and for broad bean plant seeds. The maximum water absorption speed coefficient was the highest for seeds with low initial moisture - radish, beetroot, cucumber and pumpkin. The measurement of the water absorption speed with the use of the capillary and weighting method enabled investigation of seeds with a varied size, construction of a seed coat and chemical composition for a long period of time to the moment seedlings were obtained.
Understanding Student Motivation: A Key to Retention in Higher Education
Authors: Rizkallah Elias G. , Seitz Victoria 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
This paper explores what motivates college students at different stages of their academic studies. Using Herzberg’s two-factor theory, the researchers conducted a survey of 535 students in three south-western universities to determine if motivations changed throughout their academic careers. Results showed that students at different stages of their college careers have different concern s and, as such, different motivational strategies are needed to respond to their concerns. Implications are given to grow and retain enrolment.
Specifics of IFRS Adoption by Central and Eastern European Countries: Evidence from Research
Authors: Procházka David 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe paper reviews recent literature on the specifics of adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by the new EU members from the Central and Eastern Europe. Despite being members of the EU or OECD, the transition to a standard developed economy has not yet finished. The first part of the paper presents macroeconomic statistics and capital market data, which underline a unique economic structure of the region (relative unimportance of capital markets for raising capital, strong dependence on foreign direct investments) combined with the lacks in institutional environment. Under such conditions, the economic consequences of IFRS adoption can be unpredictable and adverse. The second part of the paper analyses the reflection of specifics of the IFRS adoption in the CEE region in research studies covered by the Thomson Reuters’ Web of Science database. The analysis reveals (a) cross-country disproportion in the research coverage of the area; (b) relatively low coverage of the IFRS research focusing on these transition countries in top journals.
Integration and In-Field Gains Selection of Flight and Navigation Controller for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System
Authors: Słowik Maciej , Ołdziej Daniel , Gosiewski Zdzisław 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In the paper the implementation process of commercial flight and navigational controller in own aircraft is shown. The process of autopilot integration were performed for the fixed-wing type of unmanned aerial vehicle designed in high-wing and pull configuration of the drive. The above equipment were integrated and proper software control algorithms were chosen. The correctness of chosen hardware and software solution were verified in ground tests and experimental flights. The PID controllers for longitude and latitude controller channels were selected. The proper deflections of control surfaces and stabilization of roll, pitch and yaw angles were tested. In the next stage operation of telecommunication link and flight stabilization were verified. In the last part of investigations the preliminary control gains and configuration parameters for roll angle control loop were chosen. This enable better behavior of UAV during turns. Also it affected other modes of flight such as loiter (circle around designated point) and auto mode where the plane executed a pre-programmed mission.