bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
At‐home sperm testing for epidemiologic studies: Evaluation of the Trak male fertility testing system in an internet‐based preconception cohort
Authors: Sommer Greg J. , Wang Tanran R. , Epperson Jon G. , Hatch Elizabeth E. , Wesselink Amelia K. , Rothman Kenneth J. , Fredriksen Laura L. , Schaff Ulrich Y. , Behr Barry , Eisenberg Michael L. , Wise Lauren A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundSemen quality assessment in population‐based epidemiologic studies presents logistical and financial challenges due to reliance on centralised laboratory semen analysis. The Trak Male Fertility Testing System is an FDA‐cleared and validated at‐home test for sperm concentration and semen volume, with a research use only sperm motility test. Here we evaluate the Trak System's overall utility among men participating in Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO), a web‐based study of North American couples planning pregnancy.MethodsUS male participants aged ≥21 years with ≤6 months of pregnancy attempt time at study enrolment were invited to participate in the semen testing substudy after completing their baseline questionnaire. Consenting participants received a Trak Engine (battery‐powered centrifuge) and two test kits. Participants shared their test results via smartphone images uploaded to online questionnaires. Data were then linked with covariate data from the baseline questionnaire.ResultsOf the 688 men invited to participate, 373 (54%) provided consent and 271 (73%) completed at least one semen test result. The distributions of semen volume, sperm concentration, motile sperm concentration, total sperm count, and total motile sperm count were similar to 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) semen parameter data of men in the general population. The overall usability score for the Trak System was 1.4 on a 5‐point Likert scale (1 = Very Easy, 5 = Difficult), and 92% of participants believed they performed the test correctly and received an accurate result. Lastly, men with higher motile sperm count were more likely to report feeling “at ease” or “excited” following testing, while men with low motile sperm count were more likely to report feeling “concerned” or “frustrated.” Overall, 91% of men reported they would like to test again.ConclusionsThe Trak System provides a simple and potentially cost‐effective means of measuring important semen parameters and may be useful in population‐based epidemiologic fertility studies.
Screening for reproductive biomarkers in Bactrian camel via iTRAQ analysis of proteomes
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhang Quanwei , Gan Ze , Li Haijiang , Yang Yang , Zhang Yong , Zhao Xingxu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBactrian camel is an ancient and precious species of livestock; that is, unique resources exist in the desert and have important economic and scientific value. In recent years, the number of Bactrian camels has declined sharply. Due to its long reproductive cycle and seasonal oestrus, the mechanism of oestrus is unknown. To identify candidate biomarkers of reproduction, we performed a comprehensive proteomic analysis of serum from Bactrian camel in oestrus and non‐oestrus, using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. We identified 359 proteins, of which 32 were differentially expressed: 11 were up‐regulated and 21 were down‐regulated in samples from camels in oestrus. We validated the differential expression of a subset of these proteins using qPCR and Western blot. Gene ontology annotation identified that the differentially expressed proteins function in cellular processes, metabolic processes and immune system processes. Notably, five of the differentially expressed proteins, PCGF5, histone H1.2, RBP4, FOLR1 and ANTXR2, are involved in reproductive regulatory processes in other animals. KEGG enrichment analysis demonstrated significant enrichment in several cardiac‐related pathways, such as ‘dilated cardiomyopathy’, ‘hypertrophic cardiomyopathy’, ‘cardiac muscle contraction’ and ‘adrenergic signalling in cardiomyopathy’. Our results suggest that candidate biomarker (PCGF5, histone H1.2, RBP4, FOLR1 and ANTXR2) discovery can aid in understanding reproduction in Bactrian camels. We conclude that the profiling of serum proteomes, followed by the measurement of selected proteins using more targeted methods, offers a promising approach for studying mechanisms of oestrus.
Emilio Uranga’s Análisis Del Ser Del Mexicano: De‐colonizing Pretensions, Re‐colonizing Critiques
Authors: Alberto Sánchez Carlos 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis essay introduces and defends Emilio Uranga's philosophical intervention in his 1952 text, Análisis del ser del mexicano. Here, to begin with, a case is made that the Análisis can be read as an effort at decolonizing philosophy. This is followed by a consideration of recent criticisms of “la filosofía de lo mexicano,” which naturally extend to Uranga's text, since this is the philosophical tradition in which we find it. Finally, a defense is given against these critiques and a suggestion is made that in order to properly understand the Análisis it is crucial that one understand both its liberatory impulse and its method.
The evolutionary history of parasitic sucking lice and their rodent hosts: A case of evolutionary co‐divergences
Authors: Bothma Johannes C. , Matthee Sonja , Matthee Conrad A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractParasites are often dependent on their hosts for survival and dispersal and this led to a hypothesis that the evolution of obligate permanent host‐specific parasites specifically will show phylogenetic congruence with their hosts. To investigate the factors influencing parasite evolution, mitochondrial‐ and nuclear DNA sequence data were used to test for genetic co‐divergences between Hoplopleura and Polyplax lice occurring on four rodent taxa associated with the Aethomys/Micaelamys rodent complex. Mitochondrial DNA haplotype networks drawn from 24 rodents and 74 obligate permanent lice supported the existence of at least eight genetically distinct parasite lineages. Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses showed considerable congruence between the phylogenies of the parasites and their hosts, and these finding were also partly supported in a fair amount of overlap in the timing of divergences. Jane co‐phylogenetic reconstructions illustrated that co‐divergences are the most parsimonious solution to explain the evolution within Polyplax, and also within Hoplopleura. Based on mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequence distances of >13% between strongly supported monophyletic parasite lineages, coupled to some unique morphological features detected for both lice taxa occurring on Micaelamys granti, we propose that the taxonomy of Polyplax and Hoplopleura studied herein is in need of revision. In addition, our findings provide examples of perfect topological co‐divergence between parasites and their hosts, and in doing so also provide circumstantial evidence for co‐evolution between these permanent host‐specific parasites and their hosts. We argue that the signal of co‐divergence is partly enforced by limited opportunities for host switching events across the landscape.
Senescence marker activin A is increased in human diabetic kidney disease: association with kidney function and potential implications for therapy
Authors: Bian Xiaohui , Griffin Tomás P , Zhu Xiangyang , Islam Md Nahidul , Conley Sabena M , Eirin Alfonso , Tang Hui , O’Shea Paula M , Palmer Allyson K , McCoy Rozalina G , Herrmann Sandra M , Mehta Ramila A , Woollard John R , Rule Andrew D , Kirkland James L , Tchkonia Tamar , Textor Stephen C , Griffin Matthew D , Lerman Lilach O , Hickson LaTonya J 
Published: December 2019

ObjectiveActivin A, an inflammatory mediator implicated in cellular senescence-induced adipose tissue dysfunction and profibrotic kidney injury, may become a new target for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and chronic kidney diseases. We tested the hypothesis that human DKD-related injury leads to upregulation of activin A in blood and urine and in a human kidney cell model. We further hypothesized that circulating activin A parallels kidney injury markers in DKD.Research design and methodsIn two adult diabetes cohorts and controls (Minnesota, USA; Galway, Ireland), the relationships between plasma (or urine) activin A, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and DKD injury biomarkers were tested with logistic regression and correlation coefficients. Activin A, inflammatory, epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) and senescence markers were assayed in human kidney (HK-2) cells incubated in high glucose plus transforming growth factor-β1 or albumin.ResultsPlasma activin A levels were elevated in diabetes (n=206) compared with controls (n=76; 418.1 vs 259.3 pg/mL; p<0.001) and correlated inversely with eGFR (rs=−0.61; p<0.001; diabetes). After eGFR adjustment, only albuminuria (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.09) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (OR 6.40, 95% CI 1.08 to 38.00) associated with the highest activin tertile. Albuminuria also related to urinary activin (rs=0.65; p<0.001). Following in vitro HK-2 injury, activin, inflammatory, EMT genes and supernatant activin levels were increased.ConclusionsCirculating activin A is increased in human DKD and correlates with reduced kidney function and kidney injury markers. DKD-injured human renal tubule cells develop a profibrotic and inflammatory phenotype with activin A upregulation. These findings underscore the role of inflammation and provide a basis for further exploration of activin A as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in DKD.
Spatial variations in gut permeability are linked to type 1 diabetes development in non-obese diabetic mice
Authors: Joesten William C , Short Audrey H , Kennedy Michael A 
Published: December 2019

ObjectivesTo determine if spatial variations in gut permeability play a role in regulating type 1 diabetes (T1D) progression.Research design and methodsSpatially resolved duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and large intestine sections from end-stage T1D non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice were probed by immunohistochemistry to quantify zonulin levels as a measure of gut permeability in early-progressor and late-progressor NOD mice in comparison with non-progressor NOD mice and healthy NOR/LtJ control mice.ResultsZonulin levels were elevated in the small and large intestines in early-progressor and late-progressor NOD mice in comparison with non-progressor NOD mice and healthy NOR control mice. In early-onset mice, elevated zonulin levels were maximum in the duodenum and jejunum and decreased in the ileum and large intestine. In late-progressor mice, zonulin levels were elevated almost evenly along the small and large intestines. In non-progressor NOD mice, zonulin levels were comparable with NOR control levels in both the small and large intestines.ConclusionsElevated zonulin expression levels indicated that gut permeability was increased both in the small and large intestines in NOD mice that progressed to end-stage T1D in comparison with non-progressor NOD mice and healthy NOR control mice. Highest elevations in zonulin levels were observed in the duodenum and jejunum followed by the ileum and large intestines. Spatial variations in gut permeability appeared to play a role in regulating the rate and severity of T1D progression in NOD mice indicating that spatial variations in gut permeability should be investigated as a potentially important factor in human T1D progression.
Extent of the association between self-rated health and place of birth: a cross-sectional study among people at high risk of developing pre-diabetes and diabetes in Sweden
Authors: Taloyan Marina , Amri Amina , Hjörleifsdottir Steiner Kristin , Lamian Fahimeh , Ostenson Claes-Goran , Salminen Helena 
Published: December 2019

ObjectiveThe first aim was to determine the extent of the relationship between place of birth and self-rated health (SRH) in primary healthcare patients born outside Sweden and those born in Sweden. The second aim was to investigate whether socioeconomic and lifestyle factors explained any differences.SettingTwo academic primary healthcare centres in Stockholm County, Sweden.Participants825 patients at high risk of developing pre-diabetes and diabetes, aged 18–74 years, attending academic healthcare centres in areas with large numbers of immigrants, 56.8% born abroad and 43.2% born in Sweden. Patients with a diagnosis of diabetes were excluded. Inclusion criteria were based on previous research showing that people born in Middle Eastern and Asian countries who live in Sweden have a high prevalence of and risk for diabetes.OutcomeSRH was dichotomised as optimal (very good/good) and suboptimal (fair/bad/very bad) and compared in those born outside Sweden and in Sweden.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference in the SRH of the two groups (p=0.008). Logistic regression analysis showed a crude OR for reduced SRH of 1.46 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.92) in patients born outside Sweden. After controlling for education, employment and marital status, the OR increased to 1.50 (95% CI 1.11 to 2.02). After controlling for physical activity and smoking, it decreased to 1.36 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.85).ConclusionSocioeconomic and lifestyle factors influenced SRH. It could therefore be useful for clinicians to consider these factors when providing care for patients born outside Sweden and resettled in areas with large numbers of immigrants.
Research priorities for the management of broken bones of the upper limb in people over 50: a UK priority setting partnership with the James Lind Alliance
Authors: Sheehan Warren J , Williams Mark A , Paskins Zoe , Costa Matthew L , Fernandez Miguel Antonio , Gould Jenny , Bell Philip , Baird Liz , Grant Richard , Ellis Patricia , White Catherine , Arnel Laura , Exell Lauren , Gwilym Stephen 
Published: December 2019

ObjectiveTo determine research priorities for the management of broken bones of the upper limb in people over 50, which represent the shared priorities of patients, their families, carers and healthcare professionals.Design/settingA national (UK) research priority setting partnership.ParticipantsPeople aged 50 and over who have experienced a fracture of the upper limb, carers involved in their care, family and friends of patients, healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of these patients.MethodsUsing a multiphase methodology in partnership with the James Lind Alliance over 15 months (September 2017 to December 2018), a national scoping survey asked respondents to submit their research uncertainties. These were amalgamated into a smaller number of research questions. The existing evidence was searched to ensure that the questions had not already been answered. A second national survey asked respondents to prioritise the research questions. A final shortlist of 25 questions was taken to a multi-stakeholder workshop where a consensus was reached on the top 10 priorities.ResultsThere were 1898 original uncertainties submitted by 328 respondents to the first survey. These original uncertainties were refined into 51 research questions of which 50 were judged to be true uncertainties following a review of the research evidence. There were 209 respondents to the second (interim prioritisation) survey. The top 10 priorities encompass a broad range of uncertainties in management and rehabilitation of upper limb fractures.ConclusionsThe top 10 UK research priorities highlight uncertainties in how we assess outcomes, provide information, achieve pain control, rationalise surgical intervention, optimise rehabilitation and provide psychological support. The breadth of these research areas highlights the value of this methodology. This work should help to steer research in this area for the next 5–10 years and the challenge for researchers now is to refine and deliver answers to these research priorities.
Characteristics of heart failure patients incurring high medical costs via matching specific health examination results and medical claim data: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tamaki Yuya , Kazawa Kana , Watanabe Hirohito , Susanto Tantut , Moriyama Michiko 
Published: December 2019

ObjectiveWe describe the characteristics of patients with high medical costs by matching specific annual medical examination results and medical claim data. Clarifying the relationships between examination items and high medical costs allows the screening of high-risk persons.DesignA cross-sectional study.SubjectsSubjects were persons insured by national health insurance in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, from April 2016 to March 2017. To identify true heart failure (HF) patients, the disease name listed in the medical claim data was compared with drugs prescribed for HF, with extraction of only subjects whose comparative data matched.Data collection and analysisThe specific health examination includes a questionnaire on areas such as lifestyle habits, anthropometry, blood pressure, blood tests and urine tests. The percentage of the total medical costs related to the medical care of subjects with HF was described using Pareto analysis. For specific health examination items, we compared the high-cost and low-cost groups. The normality and homoscedasticity of each variable was checked and Student’s t-tests and χ² tests were applied. Finally, multiple logistic regression analysis was used to detect factors in the health examination items related to high medical costs.ResultsPareto analysis showed that 80% of all medical costs were paid by 30% of the HF patient population. The fees for cardiovascular surgery accounted for 54% of the total surgical cost, 64% of which included preventable diseases. Levels of creatinine (Cr) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP) and a history of smoking were found to be related to high medical costs.ConclusionAnalysis of specific health examination results for HF patients revealed the association between high medical costs, γ-GTP, Cr, and smoking. These results can thus serve as a reference for screening persons at high risk of HF and help prevent the exacerbation of HF.
How medical specialists experience the effects of a mindful leadership course on their leadership capabilities: a qualitative interview study in the Netherlands
Authors: Vreeling Kiki , Kersemaekers Wendy , Cillessen Linda , van Dierendonck Dirk , Speckens Anne 
Published: December 2019

ObjectivesMedical leaders are facing leadership challenges that ask for a leadership style that takes care of both themselves and their coworkers. Mindfulness may support this leadership style. We explored how a ‘Mindful leadership for medical specialists’ course affected medical specialists’ leadership.DesignWe conducted a qualitative study based on in-depth interviews. The grounded theory method was used to analyse the data.SettingA university medical centre in the Netherlands.ParticipantsSeventeen medical specialists (six male) with an average age of 51 years (ranging from 40 to 66 years).InterventionsThe mindful leadership course consisted of 10-weekly 5-hour sessions that focused on cultivating mindfulness and compassion. In addition, sessions included didactic and interactional teaching about leadership theories.ResultsFour categories emerged from the data: (A) Self - Attitude: psychological attitude towards self, (B) Self - Behaviour: behaviour towards self, (C) Other - Attitude: psychological attitude towards others, and (D) Other - Behaviour: behaviour towards others. Themes were defined within these categories: awareness of self, open mind, insight and appreciation of self (A), emotional and cognitive self-regulation, letting go of unhelpful behaviour and developing helpful behaviour (B), differences in attitude to others such as awareness of (impact on) others, keeping an open mind about others, allowing difficult emotions associated with others, appreciating of others (C), and communicating more effectively, providing direction, empowering and caring for others (D).ConclusionsThe results help us understand the core elements of mindful leadership, both with respect to one’s psychological attitude and behaviour towards oneself and others. More research on mindful leadership and the effects on self and others is needed. Mindful leadership courses could be a valuable part of clinical training and might contribute to more sustainable healthcare organisations.
Associations between work satisfaction, engagement and 7-day patient mortality: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Brubakk Kirsten , Svendsen Martin Veel , Hofoss Dag , Hansen Tonya Moen , Barach paul , Tjomsland Ole 
Published: December 2019

ObjectiveThis study examines the association between profession-specific work environments and the 7-day mortality of patients admitted to these units with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke and hip fracture.DesignA cross-sectional study combining patient mortality data extracted from the South-Eastern Norway Health Region, and the work environment scores at the hospital ward levels. A case-mix adjustment model was developed for the comparison between hospital wards.SettingFifty-six patient wards in 20 hospitals administered by the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority.ParticipantsIn total, 46 026 patients admitted to hospitals with AMI, stroke and hip fracture, and supported by 8800 survey responses from physicians, nurses and managers over a 3-year period (2010–2012).Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome measures were the associations between the relative mortality rate for patients admitted with AMI, stroke and hip fractures and the profession-specific (ie, nurses, physicians, middle managers) mean scores on the 19 organisational factors in a validated cross sectional, staff survey conducted annually in Norway. The secondary outcome measures were the mean scores with SD on the organisational factors in the staff survey reported by each profession.ResultsThe Nurse workload (beta 0.019 (95% CI0.009–0.028)) and middle manager engagement (beta 0.024 (95% CI0.010–0.037)) levels were associated with a case-mix adjusted 7-day patient mortality rates. There was no significant association between physician work environment scores and patient mortality rates.Conclusion7-day mortality rates in hospital wards were negatively correlated with the nurse workload and manager engagement levels. A deeper understanding of the relationships between patient outcomes, organisational structure and their underlying cultural barriers is needed because they may provide a better understanding of the harm and death risks for patients due to organisational characteristics.