bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local anaesthesia during endometrial ablation: a systematic review
Authors: Reinders IMA , Geomini PMAJ , Timmermans A , de Lange ME , Bongers MY 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundEndometrial ablation has been widely implemented in the outpatient setting. Many different protocols of local anaesthesia during endometrial ablation are used and described. However, prospective studies to assess and evaluate these protocols appear to be scarce.ObjectivesTo evaluate systematically the different local anaesthesia techniques in relation to pain perception during endometrial ablation.Search strategyMedline and Embase were systematically searched and reference lists of selected articles were checked for missed publications.Selection criteriaAll types of studies reporting the performance of endometrial ablation under local anaesthesia in ten or more women were included.Data collection and analysisData about the procedure, the protocol of local anaesthesia, the acceptability and side‐effects were extracted.Main resultsTwenty‐five studies, involving 2013 women, were included. Applied anaesthesia techniques included intracervical, paracervical and intrauterine anaesthesia or a combination of these techniques. Women who received a combination of either intra‐ or paracervical anaesthesia and intrauterine injections reported significantly lower pain scores than those who received no local anaesthesia or intra‐ or paracervical anaesthesia alone (P = 0.000), but the quality of evidence is low. The acceptability of endometrial ablation under local anaesthesia was high (77–94%).ConclusionEndometrial ablation under local anaesthesia is a safe, feasible and acceptable procedure. The combination of either intra‐ or paracervical anaesthesia with intrauterine injections seems to be promising, but has to be investigated more thoroughly.Tweetable abstractSystematic review of local anaesthesia techniques during endometrial ablation.
Noninvasive experimental bladder pain assessment in painful bladder syndrome
Authors: Tu FF , Kane JN , Hellman KM 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveTo compare bladder sensitivity between patients with pelvic pain and patients who were pain free, undergoing noninvasive, controlled bladder distension via diuresis. We also sought to measure potential mechanisms underlying bladder sensitivity.DesignProspective observational study.SettingCommunity teaching hospital.PopulationReproductive‐age women with non‐bladder chronic pelvic pain (CPP, n = 23), painful bladder syndrome (PBS, n = 23), and pelvic pain‐free controls (n = 42)MethodsParticipants were compared on cystometric capacity, pelvic floor pressure‐pain thresholds (PPTs), pelvic muscle function, O'Leary‐Sant bladder questionnaire, and psychosocial instruments using Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests. Multivariate regression was used to identify factors underlying bladder pain phenotypes.Main outcome measuresPelvic floor pain thresholds; self‐reported bladder distension pain.ResultsParticipants with PBS exhibited higher bladder distension pain than those with CPP, with both groups reporting higher pain levels than controls (P < 0.05). No significant associations were found between bladder distension pain and pelvic muscle structure or pain sensitivity measures; however, bladder distension pain positively correlates with both vaginal PPTs adjacent to the bladder (r = 0.46) and pain with transvaginal bladder palpation (r = 0.56). Pain at maximal distension was less influenced by somatic sensitivity than bladder symptoms (r = 0.35 versus r = 0.59; P < 0.05). Multivariate regression identified three independent components of bladder symptoms in PBS: bladder distension pain, bladder sensation, and somatic symptoms.ConclusionsDiuresis‐induced bladder pain differentiates CPP from PBS. Experimental bladder pain is not predicted by pelvic floor sensitivity. Compared with patient‐reported outcomes it appears less influenced by psychological factors. Further study is needed to determine whether screening for experimental bladder pain sensitivity could predict future risk of PBS.Tweetable abstractControlled, water ingestion‐provoked bladder pain can objectively identify visceral pain sensitivity.
The Relative Effectiveness of Simultaneous versus Sequential Negotiation Strategies in Auditor‐Client Negotiations
Authors: Perreault Stephen , Kida Thomas , David Piercey M. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSince most audit engagements identify multiple proposed audit adjustments, auditors must decide how best to present and negotiate these adjustments with their clients. Prior research indicates that auditors can negotiate adjustments individually (a sequential strategy) or can negotiate multiple adjustments within the same negotiation setting (a simultaneous strategy). This paper examines the relative effectiveness of a simultaneous versus sequential negotiation strategy in eliciting concessions from clients and engendering greater client satisfaction. Participants negotiated audit adjustments with a simulated auditor who employed one of the two negotiation strategies. We find evidence that a simultaneous strategy elicits significantly greater total concessions from client managers and also generates more positive attitudes toward the auditor. We also manipulate the magnitude of the issues negotiated and find that significantly greater concessions are offered when larger issues are presented first. These findings have important implications for auditors, as they suggest that negotiating issues simultaneously and presenting larger issues first can result in significantly improved negotiation outcomes.
The effect of Ureaplasma urealyticum on the level of P34H expression, the activity of hyaluronidase, and DNA fragmentation in human spermatozoa
Authors: Ma Xiao‐ping , Gao Xiao‐qin 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundTo study the effect of Ureaplasma urealyticum on the level of P34H expression, the activity of hyaluronidase, and the DNA fragmentation in human spermatozoa.MethodWestern blot was used to detect the level of P34H expression on spermatozoa.The localization of this protein on human spermatozoa was determined by indirect immunofluorescent and observed by laser scanning confocal microscope. The activity of hyaluronidase was examined by improved fixed‐substrate film method. The DNA fragmentation was assayed with the use of TUNEL.ResultsThere were significant differences in the level of P34H protein expression, the percentage of the P34H‐positive rate, the activity of HYD, and the percentage of DNA fragmentation between each infertile group and the control (P<.05). The relation among the P34H protein expression, the percentage of P34H‐positive rate and HYD‐positive rate, HYD‐activity intensity had a significant positive correlation; Both the P34H protein expression and the percentage of P34H‐positive rate were inversely correlated with the percentages of sperm DNA fragmentation.ConclusionUreaplasma urealyticum infection may affect the level of P34H protein expression, the percentage of the P34H‐positive rate, the activity of HYD, and DNA fragmentation that influence fertility.
Interatrial block and interatrial septal thickness in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation: Long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Gul Enes E. , Pal Raveen , Caldwell Jane , Boles Usama , Hopman Wilma , Glover Benedict , Michael Kevin A. , Redfearn Damian , Simpson Chris , Abdollah Hoshiar , Baranchuk Adrian 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundInteratrial block (IAB) is a strong predictor of recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF). IAB is a conduction delay through the Bachman region, which is located in the upper region of the interatrial space. During IAB, the impulse travels from the right atrium to the interatrial septum (IAS) and coronary sinus to finally reach the left atrium in a caudocranial direction. No relation between the presence of IAB and IAS thickness has been established yet.ObjectiveTo determine whether a correlation exists between the degree of IAB and the thickness of the IAS and to determine whether IAS thickness predicts AF recurrence.MethodsSixty‐two patients with diagnosis of paroxysmal AF undergoing catheter ablation were enrolled. IAB was defined as P‐wave duration ≥120 ms. IAS thickness was measured by cardiac computed tomography.ResultsAmong 62 patients with paroxysmal AF, 45 patients (72%) were diagnosed with IAB. Advanced IAB was diagnosed in 24 patients (39%). Forty‐seven patients were male. During a mean follow‐up period of 49.8 ± 22 months (range 12–60 months), 32 patients (51%) developed AF recurrence. IAS thickness was similar in patients with and without IAB (4.5 ± 2.0 mm vs. 4.0 ± 1.4 mm; p = .45) and did not predict AF. Left atrial size was significantly enlarged in patients with IAB (40.9 ± 5.7 mm vs. 37.2 ± 4.0 mm; p = .03). Advanced IAB predicted AF recurrence after the ablation (OR: 3.34, CI: 1.12–9.93; p = .03).ConclusionsIAS thickness was not significantly correlated to IAB and did not predict AF recurrence. IAB as previously demonstrated was an independent predictor of AF recurrence.
Helicobacter pylori serology testing is a useful diagnostic screening tool for symptomatic inner city children
Authors: Raj Priya , Thompson John F. , Pan Debra H. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimThis study assessed the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) serum antibody test as a diagnostic screening tool in symptomatic inner city children.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of patients aged one to 18 years who were referred to our paediatric gastroenterology department from 2009 to 2013. We included all patients who had H. pylori serum antibodies and/or faecal antigens who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for histology, with or without a gastric tissue rapid urease test.ResultsA total of 395 patients had EGDs carried out to evaluate epigastric pain, heartburn and nausea or vomiting, and their overall socio‐economic Z‐score was −2.62. The histology was positive for H. pylori infection in 52 of 395 patients (13%), and epigastric pain was documented in 45 of these 52 patients (87%). Compared to histology, the serum H. pylori antibody test had a sensitivity of 88.4% and a specificity of 93.4%. The tissue rapid urease test and faecal antigen test had sensitivities of 89.3% and 55.6% and specificities of 89.9% and 98.9%, respectively.ConclusionThe serum H. pylori antibody test had high sensitivity and specificity, and it was a good diagnostic screening tool in our study. Epigastric pain was strongly associated with a current H. pylori infection in our population.
A cultural take on the links between religiosity, identity, and meaning in life in religious emerging adults
Authors: Negru‐Subtirica Oana , Tiganasu Alexandra , Dezutter Jessie , Luyckx Koen 
Published: December 2016

Identity and meaning in life are core developmental assets in emerging adulthood. We analysed how religiosity is related to these intentional strivings in emerging adults enrolled in theological education, by depicting (1) identity strivings and meaning in life accounts in faith narratives (Study 1) and (2) links between personal identity and meaning in life profiles and religious beliefs, behaviours, and subjective experiences (Study 2). Both studies highlighted that a Foreclosed status, with high personal commitment and reduced exploration, was dominant in faith narratives and personal identity profiles. Also, in narratives meaning in life was reflected by a strong focus on presence of meaning through religious insights. Nonetheless, global meaning in life profiles indicated that many emerging adults were searching for a meaning in their lives, while reporting lower levels of presence of meaning. Identity Achievement and High Presence–High Search profiles were linked to the highest levels of subjective, behavioural, and cognitive religiosity. We highlighted the multidimensionality of identity and meaning in life strivings in emerging adults attending theological schools. We pointed out that even in a somewhat foreclosed cultural context (e.g., Romanian Christian Orthodox theological schools), religion represents a dynamic social and ideological context for self‐development.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Religious beliefs increase in emerging adults, doubled by decreases in religious behaviours, linked to an adherence to a more personal approach to religion.

Religious youth are more committed to their faith and also explore identity and life meaning in relation to their religious strivings.

Youth religious exemplars report close links between their religious faith and strivings for meaningful life goals.

What does this study add?

We investigated Christian Orthodox theology students, for whom religion is a normative dimension of personal and vocational development.

A Foreclosed status, with high personal commitment and reduced exploration was dominant in faith narratives and in personal identity profiles.

Many emerging adults were searching for a meaning in their lives, while at the same time reporting lower levels of presence of meaning.

Identity Achievement and High Presence–High Search profiles were linked to higher levels of subjective, behavioural, and cognitive religiosity.
Inflammasome activation and innate immunity in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Heneka Michael T. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractActivation of innate immunity and the assembly of microglial cells at sites of Alzheimer disease pathology has long been regarded as bystander phenomenon, which does not actively contribute to disease pathogenesis and progression. Recent data emerging from genetics, clinical imaging and animal experimentation point to an intimate and mutual interaction of innate immune mechanisms and neurodegenerative processes. NOD‐like receptor (NLR) family, pyrin domain containing 3 and 1 inflammasomes, present in myeloid cells and neurons, respectively, represent key components of the innate immune reaction observed in Alzheimer patient brains. Inhibition of inflammasome activation just begins to prove beneficial and protective from cognitive deficits and neuronal death in cell culture and animal models of Alzheimer's disease, thereby opening a new avenue for therapeutic intervention.
Serelaxin in clinical development: past, present and future
Authors: Unemori Elaine 
Published: December 2016

The availability of highly purified recombinant human relaxin, serelaxin, has allowed clinical trials to be conducted in several indications and the elucidation of its pharmacology in human subjects. These studies have demonstrated that serelaxin has unique haemodynamic properties that are likely to contribute to organ protection and long‐term outcome benefits in acute heart failure. Clinical observations support its consideration for therapeutic use in other patient populations, including those with chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, portal hypertension and acute renal failure.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Recent Progress in the Understanding of Relaxin Family Peptides and their Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.10/issuetoc
Selection and early clinical evaluation of the brain‐penetrant 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1) inhibitor UE2343 (Xanamem™)
Authors: Webster Scott P , McBride Andrew , Binnie Margaret , Sooy Karen , Seckl Jonathan R , Andrew Ruth , Pallin T David , Hunt Hazel J , Perrior Trevor R , Ruffles Vincent S , Ketelbey J William , Boyd Alan , Walker Brian R 
Published: December 2016

Background and PurposeReducing glucocorticoid exposure in the brain via intracellular inhibition of the cortisol‐regenerating enzyme 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1) has emerged as a therapeutic strategy to treat cognitive impairment in early Alzheimer's disease (AD). We sought to discover novel, brain‐penetrant 11β‐HSD1 inhibitors as potential medicines for the treatment of AD.Experimental ApproachMedicinal chemistry optimization of a series of amido‐thiophene analogues was performed to identify potent and selective 11β‐HSD1 inhibitors with optimized oral pharmacokinetics able to access the brain. Single and multiple ascending dose studies were conducted in healthy human subjects to determine the safety, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of the candidate compound.ResultsUE2343 was identified as a potent, orally bioavailable, brain‐penetrant 11β‐HSD1 inhibitor and selected for clinical studies. No major safety issues occurred in human subjects. Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone was elevated (a marker of systemic enzyme inhibition) at doses of 10 mg and above, but plasma cortisol levels were unchanged. Following multiple doses of UE2343, plasma levels were approximately dose proportional and the terminal t1/2 ranged from 10 to 14 h. The urinary tetrahydrocortisols/tetrahydrocortisone ratio was reduced at doses of 10 mg and above, indicating maximal 11β‐HSD1 inhibition in the liver. Concentrations of UE2343 in the CSF were 33% of free plasma levels, and the peak concentration in CSF was ninefold greater than the UE2343 IC50.Conclusions and ImplicationsUE2343 is safe, well tolerated and reaches the brain at concentrations predicted to inhibit 11β‐HSD1. UE2343 is therefore a suitable candidate to test the hypothesis that 11β‐HSD1 inhibition in brain improves memory in patients with AD.
Is there a quality bias in the Canadian CPI? Evidence from microdata
Authors: Kryvtsov Oleksiy 
Published: December 2016

AbstractRising consumer prices may reflect shifts by consumers to new higher‐priced products, mostly for durable and semi‐durable goods. I apply Bils’ (2009) methodology to newly available Canadian consumer price data for non‐shelter goods and services to estimate how price increases can be divided between quality growth and price inflation. I find that less than one third of observed price increases during model changeovers should be attributed to quality growth. This implies overall price inflation close to inflation measured by the official index. I conclude that, according to Bils’ methodology, the quality bias is not an important source of potential mismeasurement of CPI inflation in Canada.
Trade in variety and domestic production: Evidence from US manufacturing
Authors: Lewrick Ulf , Mohler Lukas , Weder Rolf 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWelfare gains from increasing product variety are an important source of the gains from international trade. Previous empirical studies, however, typically focus on measuring gains from imported varieties. This paper introduces a measure to analyze changes in domestically produced varieties to estimate the total variety gains. Our analysis suggests that, for US manufacturing, losses in domestic varieties from 1992 to 2006 seem substantial given the large decline in the number of US establishments. Yet, once we account for the reallocation of resources towards large multi‐variety firms, we find considerable domestic variety gains, adding to those from imported varieties.
Long‐term outcomes of proton beam therapy in patients with previously untreated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fukuda Kuniaki , Okumura Toshiyuki , Abei Masato , Fukumitsu Nobuyoshi , Ishige Kazunori , Mizumoto Masashi , Hasegawa Naoyuki , Numajiri Haruko , Ohnishi Kayoko , Ishikawa Hitoshi , Tsuboi Koji , Sakurai Hideyuki , Hyodo Ichinosuke 
Published: December 2016

Long‐term efficacy of proton beam therapy (PBT) remains unclear for patients with previously untreated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to study the long‐term outcomes of PBT according to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging classifications in patients with previously untreated HCC. The major eligibility criteria of this observational study were an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS) 0–2, Child–Pugh grade A or B, previously untreated HCC covered within an irradiation field, and no massive ascites. A total of 66.0–77.0 GyE was administered in 10–35 fractions. Local tumor control (LTC), defined as no progression in the irradiated field, progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed according to BCLC staging. From 2002 to 2009 at our institution, 129 patients were eligible. The 5‐year LTC, PFS, and OS rates were 94%, 28%, and 69% for patients with 0/A stage disease (n = 9/21), 87%, 23%, and 66% for patients with B stage disease (n = 34), and 75%, 9%, and 25% for patients with C stage disease (n = 65), respectively. The 5‐year LTC and OS rates of 15 patients with tumor thrombi in major vessels were 90% and 34%, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that PS (0 versus 1–2) was a significant prognostic factor for OS. No grade 3 or higher adverse effects were observed. PBT showed favorable long‐term efficacies with mild adverse effects in BCLC stage 0 to C, and can be an alternative treatment for localized HCC especially when accompanied with tumor thrombi. This study was registered with UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000025342).
Tumour-activated liver stromal cells regulate myeloid-derived suppressor cells accumulation in the liver
Authors: Zhang H , He G , Kong Y , Chen Y , Wang B , Sun X , Jia B , Xie X , Wang X , Chen D , Wei L , Zhang M , Zeng H , Chen H 
Published: December 2016

SummaryRegulating mechanisms underlying hepatic myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) accumulation remain to be described. Here, we provide evidence for the involvement of tumour-activated liver stromal cells in the process of hepatic MDSCs migration and accumulation. Our data showed an elevated frequency of MDSCs in the liver of tumour-bearing mice. Moreover, tumour-activated liver stromal cells promote MDSC migration into the liver site. Further investigation indicated higher levels of cytokine and chemokine expression in liver stromal cells after exposure to the tumour-conditioned supernatant. Notably, the expression levels of proinflammatory factors, mainly including macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), increased after treatment with tumour-conditioned supernatant, and blockade of MCP-1 or SDF-1 decreased the proportion of tumour infiltrated MDSCs in mice co-transplanted with liver stromal cells and tumour cells, but not in mice with only tumour cells injection. These findings demonstrate that tumour-activated liver stromal cells produce higher levels of chemokines and cytokines, which may contribute to MDSC accumulation into the liver site in patients with liver cancer.
Diversification shifts in leafroller moths linked to continental colonization and the rise of angiosperms
Authors: Fagua Giovanny , Condamine Fabien L. , Horak Marianne , Zwick Andreas , Sperling Felix A.H. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractTectonic dynamics and niche availability play intertwined roles in determining patterns of diversification. Such drivers explain the current distribution of many clades, whereas events such as the rise of angiosperms can have more specific impacts, such as on the diversification rates of herbivores. The Tortricidae, a diverse group of phytophagous moths, are ideal for testing the effects of these determinants on the diversification of herbivorous clades. To estimate ancestral areas and diversification patterns in Tortricidae, a complete tribal‐level dated tree was inferred using molecular markers (one mitochondrial and five nuclear) and calibrated using fossil constraints. We found that Tortricidae diverged from their sister group c. 120 Myr ago (Ma) and diversified c. 97 Ma, a timeframe synchronous with the rise of angiosperms in the Early–mid Cretaceous. Ancestral areas analysis, based on updated Wallace's biogeographical regions, supports the hypothesis of a Gondwanan origin of Tortricidae in the South American plate. We also detected an increase in speciation rate that coincided with the peak of angiosperm diversification in the Cretaceous. This in turn probably was further heightened by continental colonization of the Palaeotropics when angiosperms became dominant by the end of the Late Cretaceous.