bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is effective for the distinct pattern of uterine fibroids seen in African-American women: data from phase III/IV, non-randomized, multicenter clinical trials
Authors: Machtinger Ronit , Fennessy Fiona M , Stewart Elizabeth A , Missmer Stacey A , Correia Katharine F , Tempany Clare MC 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Uterine fibroids are common among women at the reproductive age. Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) is a novel and a conservative treatment for symptomatic cases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of MRgFUS in African-American (AA) women compared with that in non-African-Americans (non-AA).

Methods
A single-armed phase IV study was conducted to establish the efficacy of treatment in AA women. Comparison of patient, fibroid, and treatment characteristics from this trial was compared with that of the previously published phase III trial. Both studies were approved by the IRB of each medical center.

Results
Sixty-three AA and 59 non-AA women were treated with MRgFUS. Although AA women had a different pattern of disease, outcomes were similar in both groups. AA patients had a significant higher total number of fibroids compared with non-AA (median 6.0, interquartile range (IQR) 3.0–10.0 vs. 2.0, IQR 1.0–4.0, respectively, p < 0.001), although their total fibroid volume was significantly smaller (median 196.9 cm3, IQR 112.8–415.3 cm3 vs. 394.8 cm3, IQR 189.8–674.4 cm3, respectively, p < 0.001). AA women were younger compared with non-AA (mean ± SD 43.4 ± 5.1 vs. 46.3 ± 4.1 years of age, respectively, p = 0.001) when they presented for treatment. The rate of alternative treatments as well as fibroid-associated symptoms at follow-up time points (3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, period following MRgFUS treatment) did not differ according to race (p ≥ 0.62).

Conclusion
Despite differences in the pattern of fibroid disease, MRgFUS for uterine fibroids has a similar efficacy for AA women compared with non-AA women.
Outcomes with intracytoplasmic sperm injection of cryopreserved sperm from men with spinal cord injury
Authors: Bechoua Shaliha , Berki-Morin Yasmine , Michel Frédéric , Girod Sophie , Sagot Paul , Fauque Patricia 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundErectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction and poor semen quality are the main causes of infertility in men with spinal cord injury (SCI). Different sperm retrieval techniques such as penile vibratory stimulation (PVS), electro-ejaculation (EEJ) or surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) associated or not with sperm cryopreservation can be offered to these patients to preserve their fertility. If fatherhood cannot be achieved naturally, assisted reproductive techniques can be offered to these patients using either fresh or frozen/thawed sperm. The aim of the study was to report in SCI patients from Dijon (Burgundy) and in the literature, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes using frozen sperm obtained either by antegrade ejaculation (PVS or sexual intercourse) or by SSR.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed in Dijon, Burgundy over a 17 year period (1995-2011) on a cohort of 19 SCI men (6 quadriplegics and 13 paraplegics, mean age: 25.2 ± 5.6 years) who underwent a sperm cryopreservation followed or not by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Patients were divided into two groups according to the sperm retrieval method used (antegrade ejaculation group (n=10): penile vibratory stimulation (PVS) for 9 patients and sexual intercourse for 1 patient and surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) group: n=9). The sperm parameters in both groups were analyzed. Pregnancy outcomes in the 8 couples who underwent ICSI were evaluated.ResultsThe fertilization rates were 57 and 55%, the embryo’s cleavage rates were 90 and 93% in the antegrade ejaculation and SSR groups respectively. Among the 8 couples who underwent ICSI, 5 couples achieved pregnancy. The pregnancy rates per couple were 50% and 75% in the antegrade and SSR groups respectively.ConclusionsAlthough some studies don’t recommend freezing sperm in SCI patients, the pregnancy rates presented in this study are encouraging and warrant the use of frozen/thawed sperm in very specific situations.
Kinetic spectrophotometric determination of an important pharmaceutical compound,
pregabalin
Authors: Najam Raafia , Shah Gh Mohd , Andrabi S Muzaffar Ali 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Pregabalin (PGB), an anticonvulsant, was studied throughout this work using
spectrophotometric method.

Methods
The spectrophotometric method is based on the condensation reaction of PGB with
p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (p DMAB) in acid medium. The
condensation product showed λ
max at 420 nm.

Results
The different parameters affecting the stability of the condensation product were
carefully studied and optimized. The calibration plots were constructed over the
concentration range of 40 to 120 μg ml-1.

Conclusions
A simple, reliable, sensitive and accurate spectrophotometric method has been
developed for the determination of an anticonvulsant drug, PGB. The proposed
method was successfully applied to the analysis of the drug in dosage form. The
high sensitivity of the proposed method allows determination of PGB in bulk and in
pharmaceutical preparations.
Effect of tocilizumab on haematological markers implicates interleukin-6 signalling in the anaemia of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Isaacs John D , Harari Olivier , Kobold Uwe , Lee Janet S , Bernasconi Corrado 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Our objective was to determine the interrelationships of interleukin (IL)-6 receptor inhibition with haemoglobin, acute-phase reactants and iron metabolism markers (including hepcidin) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods
Data of patients receiving tocilizumab or placebo in the MEASURE study were analysed. We investigated associations at baseline and during tocilizumab treatment among haemoglobin, parameters of haemoglobin and iron homeostasis [ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), hepcidin, haptoglobin], IL-6 and acute-phase reactants [C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)] to identify statistical correlates of rise in haemoglobin level.

Results
At baseline, CRP and haptoglobin were inversely correlated (modestly) with haemoglobin levels. After treatment with tocilizumab, CRP, hepcidin, ferritin and haptoglobin levels fell alongside increases in TIBC and haemoglobin. The falls in CRP, hepcidin and haptoglobin levels in the first 2 weeks correlated with a week 12 rise in TIBC and haemoglobin.

Conclusions
Inflammatory anaemia improves in patients with RA treated with tocilizumab. This improvement correlates with the degree of suppression of systemic inflammation, reduction in hepcidin and haptoglobin and increase in iron-binding capacity. These clinical data provide evidence of a role for IL-6 signalling in the inflammatory anaemia of RA.
Development of clinical decision rules to predict recurrent shock in dengue
Authors: Huy Nguyen Tien , Thao Nguyen Thanh Hong , Ha Tran Thi Ngoc , Lan Nguyen Thi Phuong , Nga Phan Thi Thanh , Thuy Tran Thi , Tuan Ha Manh , Nga Cao Thi Phi , Van Tuong Vo , Van Dat Tran , Huong Vu Thi Que , Karbwang Juntra , Hirayama Kenji 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Mortality from dengue infection is mostly due to shock. Among dengue patients with shock, approximately 30% have recurrent shock that requires a treatment change. Here, we report development of a clinical rule for use during a patient’s first shock episode to predict a recurrent shock episode.

Methods
The study was conducted in Center for Preventive Medicine in Vinh Long province and the Children’s Hospital No. 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. We included 444 dengue patients with shock, 126 of whom had recurrent shock (28%). Univariate and multivariate analyses and a preprocessing method were used to evaluate and select 14 clinical and laboratory signs recorded at shock onset. Five variables (admission day, purpura/ecchymosis, ascites/pleural effusion, blood platelet count and pulse pressure) were finally trained and validated by a 10-fold validation strategy with 10 times of repetition, using a logistic regression model.

Results
The results showed that shorter admission day (fewer days prior to admission), purpura/ecchymosis, ascites/pleural effusion, low platelet count and narrow pulse pressure were independently associated with recurrent shock. Our logistic prediction model was capable of predicting recurrent shock when compared to the null method (P < 0.05) and was not outperformed by other prediction models. Our final scoring rule provided relatively good accuracy (AUC, 0.73; sensitivity and specificity, 68%). Score points derived from the logistic prediction model revealed identical accuracy with AUCs at 0.73. Using a cutoff value greater than −154.5, our simple scoring rule showed a sensitivity of 68.3% and a specificity of 68.2%.

Conclusions
Our simple clinical rule is not to replace clinical judgment, but to help clinicians predict recurrent shock during a patient’s first dengue shock episode.
Efficient large-scale generation of functional hepatocytes from mouse embryonic stem cells grown in a rotating bioreactor with exogenous growth factors and hormones
Authors: Zhang Shichang , Zhang Yunping , Chen Li , Liu Tao , Li Yangxin , Wang Yingjie , Geng Yongjian 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Embryonic stem (ES) cells are considered a potentially advantageous source of hepatocytes for both transplantation and the development of bioartificial livers. However, the efficient large-scale generation of functional hepatocytes from ES cells remains a major challenge, especially for those methods compatible with clinical applications.

Methods
In this study, we investigated whether a large number of functional hepatocytes can be differentiated from mouse ES (mES) cells using a simulated microgravity bioreactor. mES cells were cultured in a rotating bioreactor in the presence of exogenous growth factors and hormones to form embryoid bodies (EBs), which then differentiated into hepatocytes.

Results
During the rotating culture, most of the EB-derived cells gradually showed the histologic characteristics of normal hepatocytes. More specifically, the expression of hepatic genes and proteins was detected at a higher level in the differentiated cells from the bioreactor culture than in cells from a static culture. On further growing, the EBs on tissue-culture plates, most of the EB-derived cells were found to display the morphologic features of hepatocytes, as well as albumin synthesis. In addition, the EB-derived cells grown in the rotating bioreactor exhibited higher levels of liver-specific functions, such as glycogen storage, cytochrome P450 activity, low-density lipoprotein, and indocyanine green uptake, than did differentiated cells grown in static culture. When the EB-derived cells from day-14 EBs and the cells’ culture supernatant were injected into nude mice, the transplanted cells were engrafted into the recipient livers.

Conclusions
Large quantities of high-quality hepatocytes can be generated from mES cells in a rotating bioreactor via EB formation. This system may be useful in the large-scale generation of hepatocytes for both cell transplantation and the development of bioartificial livers.
Suicide by occupation: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Milner Allison , Spittal Matthew J. , Pirkis Jane , LaMontagne Anthony D. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundPrevious research has shown that those employed in certain occupations, such as doctors and farmers, have an elevated risk of suicide, yet little research has sought to synthesise these findings across working-age populations.AimsTo summarise published research in this area through systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodRandom effects meta-analyses were used to calculate a pooled risk of suicide across occupational skill-level groups.ResultsThirty-four studies were included in the meta-analysis. Elementary professions (e.g. labourers and cleaners) were at elevated risk compared with the working-age population (rate ratio (RR) = 1.84, 95% CI 1.46–2.33), followed by machine operators and deck crew (RR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.22–2.60) and agricultural workers (RR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.19–2.28). Results suggested a stepwise gradient in risk, with the lowest skilled occupations being at greater risk of suicide than the highest skill-level group.ConclusionsThis is the first comprehensive meta-analytical review of suicide and occupation. There is a need for future studies to investigate explanations for the observed skill-level differences, particularly in people employed in lower skill-level groups.Declaration on interestNone.
The long case: a case for revival?
Authors: Michael Albert , Rao Ranga , Goel Vishaal 
Published: December 2013

SummaryUntil 2003 the long case was the clinical component of the two summative
examinations for the Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
(MRCPsych). This changed to an Objective Structured Clinical Examination
(OSCE) format, initially for the Part I examination, and more recently to
the Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies (CASC) at the end of 3
years of basic training. Although there are distinct advantages to the
objective, competency-based assessment, questions remain on its validity.
The expectation that formative workplace-based assessments would fill in the
void left by the loss of the long case has not materialised. The options for
retaining the advantages of the long case within the CASC framework while
minimising the shortcomings of the CASC are suggested as a way forward.
Self-assembly of Oligo(phenylisoxazolyl)benzenes Induced by Multiple Dipole–Dipole Interactions
Authors: Haino Takeharu , Ueda Yuko , Hirao Takehiro , Ikeda Toshiaki , Tanaka Masahiro 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
We have demonstrated that oligo(phenylisoxazolyl)benzenes 3–6 formed polymeric assemblies. The intermolecular associations were discussed using thermodynamic parameters. The formation of the polymeric assemblies were confirmed by DOSY and AFM measurements. The large polymeric structures were observed both in solution and in the solid state. The multiple dipole–dipole interactions were crucial for the supramolecular polymerization of the oligo(phenylisoxazolyl)benzenes.
Diagnostik und Therapie venöser Thromboembolien in der Schwangerschaft und Postpartalperiode
Authors: Randrianarisoa E. , Abele H. , Balletshofer B. 
Published: December 2013

ZusammenfassungDas Auftreten sowohl der tiefen Beinvenenthrombose als auch einer Lungenarterienembolie wird bereits durch physiologische Mechanismen in der Schwangerschaft und im Wochenbett begünstigt. Es kommt neben vorbestehenden Risikofaktoren zu transienten Erscheinungen, die das Risiko für venöse thromboembolische Erkrankungen erhöhen. Die Klinik von Thromboembolien ist oft unspezifisch. Erprobte Diagnosealgorithmen bestehen in der Schwangerschaft nicht. Aufgrund der klinischen Relevanz ist jedoch eine Diagnosesicherung unerlässlich. Die Anamnese, Klinik und Labordiagnostik sind wesentliche Bestandteile in der Diagnosefin-dung, können aber alleine eine venöse Thromboembolie nicht ausschließen. Eine apparative Beurteilung der betroffenen Venen durch die Sonographie ist dabei die Untersuchungsmethode der Wahl. Die vorliegende Arbeit beschreibt die Diagnostik und Therapie venöser Thromboembolien in der Schwangerschaft.
Die Kunst des Dr. Weinhold
Authors: Hach W. 
Published: December 2013

ZusammenfassungAls Preußischer Hofrat und Professor für Chirurgie und Augenheilkunde an der Universität Halle-Wittenberg war Karl August Wein-hold (1782–1829) ein angesehener Chirurg seiner Zeit. Die Therapie von Geschwüren an den Beinen oder an anderen Körperstellen nahm er in zwei Schritten vor. Zunächst erfolgte die Anregung von Granulationen mit Quecksilber-Präparaten bis in das Hautniveau. Dann wurde die umgebende Haut über dem Geschwür durch spezielle Circulairpflaster kräftig zusammengezogen. Weinhold musste sich den harten Kritiken seiner Kollegen stellen, die Anhänger der Kompressionstherapie nach den von Theden und Baynton angegebenen Techniken waren. Das kleine Buch und andere Veröffentlichungen des Autors vermitteln auch tiefe Einblicke in die sozialen Probleme der Patienten dieser Zeit.
Interventionelle Therapie einer deszendierenden Beckenvenenthrombose bei einer jungen Frau
Authors: Blättler W. , Largiadèr J. , Altenkämper H. 
Published: December 2013

ZusammenfassungWir schildern den Fall einer 15-jährigen Patientin mit deszendierender Beckenvenenthrombose des linken Beines bei einer ilio-cavalen Gefäßanomalie, bei der nach zunächst frustraner Thrombektomie in einem zweiten Schritt, dann in einem spezialisierten Zentrum, eine kombinierte Behandlung im Sinne einer Spätthrombektomie mit lokoregionärer Thrombolyse, AV-Fistelanlage und Stentim-plantation durchgeführt wurde. Im Langzeitverlauf ist die Patientin beschwerdefrei ohne klinische oder meßtechnische Zeichen eines postthrombotischen Syndroms.Die Möglichkeit einer interventionellen Therapie proximaler Thrombosen sollte insbesondere bei jüngeren Patienten häufiger als heute üblich in Erwägung gezogen werden. Dabei sollte immer an die Möglichkeit von Gefäßanomalien und anatomischen Varian-ten gedacht und eine entsprechend subtile Diagnostik präinterventionell vorgenommen werden. Nach den derzeitigen Empfehlungen kommt in etwa zwei Drittel der Fälle solcher Thrombosen eine restitutive Therapie in Betracht.
Pupil dilation prediction of random events
Authors: Tressoldi Patrizio E , Martinelli Massimiliano , Semenzato Luca 
Published: December 2013

We report the results of a conceptual replication of a study that reported that pupil dilation can predict potentially threatening random events above chance level. In this study, participants’ pupil dilation was used to predict the appearance of a threatening or a neutral stimulus, presented randomly in a double sequence of ten trials with replacement, i.e. replacing the chosen trial for the future extractions.In the first experiment, with a sample of 100 participants, the average correct prediction was 55.9%, with a small difference between the two stimuli.This effect was further tested in an exact pre-registered study where the average correct prediction was 58.7%. The reliability of these findings was checked utilizing both a frequentist and a Bayesian statistical parameters estimate approach.These findings collectively support the hypothesis that pupil dilation can be used to anticipate random and therefore theoretically “unpredictable” events in an implicit unconscious way that is without a conscious awareness, and that this ability is another characteristic of the powerful anticipatory adaptive systems of our psychophysiological system.
Effective Contract With The He ad Of Educational Organization: Professional Comment
Authors: Фёклин  , Feklin Sergey 
Published: December 2013

Present-day social sphere of the Russian
Federation employs over 14.4 million workers;
the majority (about 5.2 mln) are occupied in the
educational sphere and another 3.9 mln — in the
spheres of public health and social services. Remuneration
of labor system for those occupied in
state federal institutions is established based on
the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation
№583 as of 5th August of 2008. Introduction
of the new system has had a positive affect on
the dynamics in government (municipal) employees’
compensation. Still, as the evidence shows,
even the new system of remuneration fails to solve
the problem of performance-contingent motivation
for all categories of institutions. Ii is observed that
in many cases performance indicators and criteria
are not properly developed and are applied as a
mere formality. In many public institutions incentive
rewards are paid as a guaranteed part of compensation
without any relation to the results of work.
This is largely due to the extremely low tariff rates
at the public institutions and their low competitiveness
at local labor markets. As a result public institutions
have to reward workers regardless of their
performance results to retain manpower. The author
concludes that remuneration of labor systems should
be adapted to new conditions, aimed at the growth
of appropriate industries, increase of services quality
and maintain contingency between the public
servants’ performance results and their compensation.
Organizing self-education among gifted schoolchildren
Authors: Сергеева  , Sergeeva Tatyana 
Published: December 2013

This article explores the role of selfeducation
activities for gifted schoolchildren development
and self-fulfillment. Necessary prerequisites
for organizing self-education are discussed,
including: designing of individual educational
trajectories, follow-up support through the
two-tier “tutor-mentor” model, foundation of
educational portal.
Trends in Modernizing Modes of Interaction Between Social Partners and Vocational Education Institutions
Authors: Бибик  , Bibik Vladislav , Пальянов  , Palyanov M. , Лебедев  , Lebedev Vladimir 
Published: December 2013

Various issues of interaction between
employers and vocational education institutions
are discussed. Ways to ensure employment to
those who graduates from vocational education
institutions are proposed; pedagogical and institutional
conditions for effective interaction between
social partners and vocational education institutions
are outlined.
Internet as a Means to Develop Higher School Students’ Research Potential at the Lessons
Authors: Макотрова  , Makotrova Galina 
Published: December 2013

The author provides evidence of the
sharpened need to extend theoretic and technological
foundations of developing higher school
students’ research skills at the lessons with the
help of Internet. Research potential is treated in
the context of culture genesis, while development
of research potential in the course of teaching
process is considered with respect to ideas of
subjectness and subjectiveness. Ways are proposed
to integrate Internet in the teaching conditions
and adapt to current technologies of development
upperclassmen’ research potential at the
lessons.
Experience related to Organization of Entrants and Students’ Creative Work in Technosphere Safety Area
Authors: Смирнов  , Smirnov S. , Девисилов  , Devisilov Vladimir , Строкин  , Strokin A. 
Published: December 2013

Experience related to organization of students’ creative work and development of their informative abilities on BMSTU’s “Ecology and
Industrial Safety” chair has been considered. The experience related to entrants’ work organization within schoolchildren’s academic
competition movement “A step to the future”, as well as carrying out the student´s academic competition on technosphere safety
and annual student´s scientific and technical conference have been described. The results of this work confirming its efficiency in
development of students’ creative abilities, training of young academic and teaching staff, development and improvement of educational
process aimed to creation of individually focused teaching programs within students’ independent scientific work have been given.