BACKGROUND The global obesity epidemic has paralleled a decrease in semen quality. Yet, the association between obesity and sperm parameters remains controversial. The purpose of this report was to ...update the evidence on the association between BMI and sperm count through a systematic review with meta-analysis. METHODS A systematic review of available literature (with no language restriction) was performed to investigate the impact of BMI on sperm count. Relevant studies published until June 2012 were identified from a Pubmed and EMBASE search. We also included unpublished data (n = 717 men) obtained from the Infertility Center of Bondy, France. Abstracts of relevant articles were examined and studies that could be included in this review were retrieved. Authors of relevant studies for the meta-analysis were contacted by email and asked to provide standardized data. RESULTS A total of 21 studies were included in the meta-analysis, resulting in a sample of 13 077 men from the general population and attending fertility clinics. Data were stratified according to the total sperm count as normozoospermia, oligozoospermia and azoospermia. Standardized weighted mean differences in sperm concentration did not differ significantly across BMI categories. There was a J-shaped relationship between BMI categories and risk of oligozoospermia or azoospermia. Compared with men of normal weight, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for oligozoospermia or azoospermia was 1.15 (0.93-1.43) for underweight, 1.11 (1.01-1.21) for overweight, 1.28 (1.06-1.55) for obese and 2.04 (1.59-2.62) for morbidly obese men. CONCLUSIONS Overweight and obesity were associated with an increased prevalence of azoospermia or oligozoospermia. The main limitation of this report is that studied populations varied, with men recruited from both the general population and infertile couples. Whether weight normalization could improve sperm parameters should be evaluated further.
This paper investigates the effect of political patronage on firms' capital structure. The evidence is from Malaysia, a country characterised by relationship-capitalism, and covers 1988 to 2009. ...Using a system GMM estimator we find firms set leverage targets and adjust towards them following deviations at the rate of 28% per annum. Next, we construct a natural experiment and use a difference-in-differences model to investigate if the strategic financing decisions of politically patronised firms differ from non-connected firms after an exogenous shock caused by the 1997 Asian crisis. Our results unambiguously demonstrate a significant difference in the capital structure of patronised firms relative to non-connected firms following the exogenous shock but only for the crisis period 1998–2001. After 2002 the capital structures of patronised and non-connected firms are statistically equivalent.
•We study the effect of political patronage on Malaysian firms' capital structure.•We observe that firms do set leverage targets and adjust towards them.•We contrast the financing of politically patronised firms with non-connected ones.
Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) has emerged as an adjunctive treatment modality for patients with intractable focal epilepsy who are not surgical candidates or have more than one ictal onset focus. ...We report a 34‐year‐old patient with intractable, childhood‐onset, genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) with tonic, atonic, myoclonic and absence seizures treated with RNS. Strip electrodes over the right posterior frontal cortex and depth electrodes placed in the right anterior nucleus were used for event detection and responsive stimulation. Two‐year follow‐up revealed 90–95% clinical seizure reduction. This case suggests that refractory GGE may be effectively treated with RNS targeting thalamocortical networks.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by altered bowel habits, abdominal pain, or discomfort. It is a highly prevalent disorder that affects patients' quality of ...life. A workup is usually required to diagnose IBS, as its differential diagnosis includes some serious conditions such as carcinoma of the colon. The present study aimed to assess the awareness and beliefs of the general population regarding IBS. This study was conducted in the Aseer Region, in the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia. It followed a cross-sectional research design that was conducted during the period from January to March 2021 using a structured self-administered questionnaire to assess the demographic variables in addition to questions to assess participants' awareness and beliefs related to IBS. Following a convenience sample, the study included 779 participants, with 43.3% being male, mostly in the age group 21-30 years (36.7%), and 68.7% being university graduates. Most participants (70.5%) were aware of IBS, and had the correct knowledge about its etiology, symptoms, risk factors, prognosis, and management. It is recommended to conduct various awareness-raising programs regarding IBS to improve the public's knowledge and to decrease functional disabilities and their impact on life.
In this paper, a hybrid Photovoltaic (PV)-fuel cell generation system employing an electrolyzer for hydrogen generation is designed and simulated. The system is applicable for remote areas or ...isolated loads. Fuzzy regression model (FRM) is applied for maximum power point tracking to extract maximum available solar power from PV arrays under variable insolation conditions. The system incorporates a controller designed to achieve permanent power supply to the load via the PV array or the fuel cell, or both according to the power available from the sun. Also, to prevent corrosion of the electrolyzer electrodes after sunset, i.e. when its current drops to zero, the electric storage device is designed so as to isolate the electrolyte from the electrolysis cell.
Rationalizing the value premium in emerging markets Ebrahim, M. Shahid; Girma, Sourafel; Shah, M. Eskandar ...
Journal of international financial markets, institutions & money,
03/2014, Volume:
29
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Open access
•This paper reaffirms the presence of value premium in emerging markets such as Brazil, Turkey, India, and China.•We attribute the premium to the investment patterns of glamour firms.•We integrate ...the various neoclassical perspectives of the value premium with those of the behavioural.
We reconfirm the presence of value premium in emerging markets. Using the Brazil–Turkey–India–China (BTIC) grouping during a period of substantial economic growth and stock market development, we attribute the premium to the investment patterns of glamour firms. We conjecture based on empirical evidence that glamour firms hoard cash, which delays undertaking of growth options, especially in poor economic conditions. Whilst this helps to mitigate business risk, it lowers market valuations and drives down expected returns. Our evidence supports arguments that the value premium is explained by economic fundamentals rather than a risk factor that is common to all firms.
Isolatd descended inguinal ovary is a rarity, but it should be considered as a differential diagnosis of an inguinal mass at any age; in particular during female infancy and up to adulthood. Herein ...the authors report a case of asymptomatic isolated left descended inguinal ovary, with ipsilateral left ectopic pelvic kidney that was accidentally discovered a few years after menarche.
Collaboration between industry and academia supports improvement and innovation in industry and helps to ensure industrial relevance in academic research. However, many researchers and practitioners ...believe that the level of joint industry–academia collaborations (IAC) in software engineering (SE) is still relatively very low, compared to the amount of activity in each of the two communities. The goal of the empirical study reported in this paper is to characterize a set of collaborative industry–academia R&D projects in the area of software testing conducted by the authors (based in Canada and Turkey) with respect to a set of challenges, patterns and anti-patterns identified by a recent Systematic Literature Review study, with the aim of contributing to the body of evidence in the area of IAC, for the benefit of SE researchers and practitioners in conducting successful IAC projects in software testing and in software engineering in general. To address the above goal, a pool of ten IAC projects (six completed, two failed and two ongoing) all in the area of software testing, which the authors have led or have had active roles in, were selected as objects of study and were analyzed (both quantitatively and qualitatively) with respect to the set of selected challenges, patterns and anti-patterns. As outputs, the study presents a set of empirical findings and evidence-based recommendations, e.g.: it has been observed that even if an IAC project may seem perfect from many aspects, one single major challenge (e.g., disagreement in confidentiality agreements) can lead to its failure. Thus, we recommend that both parties (academics and practitioners) consider all the challenges early on and proactively work together to eliminate the risk of challenges in IAC projects. We furthermore report correlation and interrelationship of challenges, patterns and anti-patterns with project success measures. This study hopes to encourage and benefit other SE researchers and practitioners in conducting successful IAC projects in software testing and in software engineering in general in the future.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disabling chronic disorder of the pulmonary vasculature, which is characterized by increased pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) as a result of increased ...pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). The most accepted hemodynamic definition of PH is a mean PAP >25mmHg. It is accidentally discovered preoperatively through performing an echocardiogram in patients suspected of having PH, as these patients suffer from dyspnea which is the most frequently presenting symptom. Additional symptoms include fatigue, weakness, angina, syncope, and lower limb edema. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of preoperative oral sildenafil administration in the management of pulmonary hypertensive patients scheduled for non-cardiac surgery.
30 Patients, (ASA II–III), suffering from pulmonary hypertension and scheduled for non-cardiac surgery were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group I received 25mg sildenafil twice daily for one week before surgery. Group II received placebo in the same way. PAP, LVEF and RVEF (through echocardiogram), heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, SpO2 (oxygen saturation), functional class and 6-min walk distance were measured and recorded at baseline and one week after treatment in both groups.
Sildenafil significantly reduced PAP and improved exercise tolerance, functional class, 6-min walk distance and SpO2 without significant alteration of heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure.
The study showed effective and safe administration of preoperative oral sildenafil in the management of pulmonary hypertensive patients scheduled for non-cardiac surgery.
Abstract Objective To compare the effect of elective cervical cerclage in women with twin pregnancy on gestational age at time of delivery. Method In a pragmatic fashion women in Abha Maternity ...Hospital, Saudi Arabia with twin gestations were allocated to receive either an elective cerclage (group I) or no cerclage (group II). Elective cerclage was performed at 12 to 14 weeks of gestation after sonographic examination of the fetus to confirm gestational age and exclude major congenital anomalies. In all cases, follow up of the pregnancy was continued until delivery. Results Of the 176 twin pregnancies included, cerclage was performed in 76 women, and no cerclage in 100 women. In Group I: 12 pregnancies ended in spontaneous miscarriage, 37 in preterm labor, and 27 women reached full term. There were a total of 106 live births in 62 women. In Group II: 8 women aborted, 44 women ended in preterm labor and 48 women reached full term. There were a total of 160 live births in 89 women. The gestational age at delivery ranged from 20 to 41 weeks. Multiple regression analysis did not show association between cerclage and time of delivery, although a trend was observed ( P = 0.056). Conclusion Elective cerclage contributes little in prolongation of gestational age at the time of delivery in women with twin pregnancy, especially in women of high parity. Those with a previous history of preterm labor may be a subgroup that could benefit from elective cerclage.
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