bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lipid abnormality, current diabetes and age affect erectile hardness: An analysis of data from complete medical checkups carried out at a single hospital
Authors: Ishikawa Kimiyasu , Sasaki Haruaki , Tanifuji Satoru , Kurokawa Ippei , Sugishita Hiroo , Hashimoto Yu , Hayashi Keiichiro , Shichijo Takeshi 
Published: March 2020

ObjectivesTo investigate the correlation between the Erection Hardness Score and both erectile function and metabolic and lifestyle factors.MethodsThis study included 548 men who underwent a complete standard medical checkup at Yokohama Shin‐midori General Hospital between 1 July 2016 and 31 August 2018, and answered the question about erectile hardness. The following variables were evaluated: age, erectile hardness on the Erection Hardness Score, erectile function on the Sexual Health Inventory for Men, current medical history (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart disease, stroke), metabolic risk factors (abdominal circumference, hyperglycemia, high blood pressure, lipid abnormality) and lifestyle factors. First, to examine the correlation between erectile hardness and erectile function, the mean Sexual Health Inventory for Men score by Erection Hardness Score grade was determined for each age group. Then, an analysis was carried out to examine the association between erectile hardness and age, current medical history, metabolic risk factors, and lifestyle factors.ResultsIn each age group, a lower Erection Hardness Score grade was associated with a lower mean Sexual Health Inventory for Men score. Lipid abnormality, diabetes and age were independent risk factors for decreased erectile hardness.ConclusionsErection Hardness Score is a useful tool that can easily and accurately assess erectile function in the settings of medical checkups and clinical practice. Diabetes and lipid abnormality affect erectile hardness.
Frailty is associated with dialysis duration before transplantation in kidney transplant recipients: A Japanese single‐center cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kosoku Akihiro , Uchida Junji , Iwai Tomoaki , Shimada Hisao , Kabei Kazuya , Nishide Shunji , Maeda Keiko , Kabata Daijiro , Shintani Ayumi , Nakatani Tatsuya 
Published: March 2020

ObjectivesTo investigate the prevalence of frailty, and the relationship of frailty based on the Kihon Checklist criteria with dialysis duration before transplantation and time after transplantation in kidney transplant recipients.MethodsThis study was a single‐center, cross‐sectional investigation carried out on kidney transplant recipients. To examine the association between the total Kihon Checklist score with time after transplant and dialysis duration before transplant, the multivariable proportional odds logistic regression model was used with adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum albumin levels.ResultsOut of 205 kidney transplant recipients enrolled in this study, frail, prefrail and robust recipients accounted for 11.2%, 26.8% and 62.0%, respectively. Dialysis duration before transplantation was associated with frailty, but time after transplant was not associated with frailty.ConclusionsThe prevalence of frailty in kidney transplant recipients is approximately 11%, and it is associated with the duration of pretransplant dialysis. These findings suggest that a shorter dialysis duration might be beneficial for preventing frailty in kidney transplant recipients.
Global biogeographical patterns in the diet of a cosmopolitan avian predator
Authors: Romano Andrea , Séchaud Robin , Roulin Alexandre 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimThe investigation of biogeographical patterns in the diet of widely distributed predators is essential to understand their ecology, life history traits and local adaptations. However, it is particularly challenging because of their wide distribution, broad trophic spectra and high ecological plasticity. Here, we described patterns of trophic ecology in a cosmopolitan nocturnal raptor, the common barn owl group, from a biogeographical perspective. We then compared variation in diet between barn owls living in the Americas (T. furcata), and those inhabiting Europe, Middle‐East and Africa (T. alba), thus hunting on different assemblages of prey types.LocationWorld.TaxonBarn owl species complex.MethodsWe reviewed 790 studies reporting diet information of 971 locations (3,733,902 individual vertebrate prey), and investigated the variation in different diet parameters, reflecting taxonomic diversity, size of the prey and frequency of certain prey types according to geographical and climatic variables.ResultsWhile confirming that the barn owl is a selective mammal hunter with variable taxa constituting its staple food in different regions, we also found significant geographical and climatic trends in several diet parameters. Although prey composition differed among continents, most of the patterns, including an increase in proportion of mammal prey in cold environments, an increase in diet diversity with elevation, a decrease in small prey consumption from high to low latitudes and at increasing temperature, and a decrease in rodent predation in humid habitats, were similar between T. furcata and T. alba. A strong island effect was observed for all diet parameters.Main conclusionOur results indicate a generalized pattern of variation in barn owl diet across biogeographical regions, suggesting that similar prey communities occur in habitats with comparable ecological conditions and/or that different barn owl populations living in similar climate convergently evolved similar food preferences and hunting strategies.
Interleukin‐35 inhibits alveolar bone resorption by modulating the Th17/Treg imbalance during periodontitis
Authors: Cafferata Emilio A. , Terraza‐Aguirre Claudia , Barrera Romina , Faúndez Nicolás , González Nicolás , Rojas Carolina , Melgar‐Rodríguez Samanta , Hernández Marcela , Carvajal Paola , Cortez Cristian , González Fermín E. , Covarrubias Cristian , Vernal Rolando 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimT lymphocytes play a central role during the pathogenesis of periodontitis, and the imbalance between the pathogenic T‐helper type 17 (Th17) and protective T‐regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes determines the tooth‐supporting alveolar bone resorption. Interleukin (IL)‐35 is a novel anti‐inflammatory cytokine with therapeutic properties in diseases whose pathogenesis is associated with the Th17/Treg imbalance; however, its role during periodontitis has not been established yet. This study aimed to elucidate whether IL‐35 inhibits the alveolar bone resorption during periodontitis by modulating the Th17/Treg imbalance.Materials and MethodsMice with ligature‐induced periodontitis were treated with locally or systemically administrated IL‐35. As controls, periodontitis‐affected mice without IL‐35 treatment and non‐ligated mice were used. Alveolar bone resorption was measured by micro‐computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy. The Th17/Treg pattern of the immune response was analysed by qPCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry.ResultsIL‐35 inhibited alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis mice. Besides, IL‐35 induced less detection of Th17 lymphocytes and production of Th17‐related cytokines, together with higher detection of Treg lymphocytes and production of Treg‐related cytokines in periodontitis‐affected tissues.ConclusionIL‐35 is beneficial in the regulation of periodontitis; particularly, IL‐35 inhibited alveolar bone resorption and this inhibition was closely associated with modulation of the periodontal Th17/Treg imbalance.
Activation of overexpressed glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor attenuates prostate cancer growth by inhibiting cell cycle progression
Authors: Shigeoka Toru , Nomiyama Takashi , Kawanami Takako , Hamaguchi Yuriko , Horikawa Tsuyoshi , Tanaka Tomoko , Irie Shinichiro , Motonaga Ryoko , Hamanoue Nobuya , Tanabe Makito , Nabeshima Kazuki , Tanaka Masatoshi , Yanase Toshihiko , Kawanami Daiji 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAims/IntroductionIncretin therapy is a common treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. We have previously reported an anti‐prostate cancer effect of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonist exendin‐4. The attenuation of cell proliferation in the prostate cancer cell line was dependent on GLP‐1R expression. Here, we examined the relationship between human prostate cancer severity and GLP‐1R expression, as well as the effect of forced expression of GLP‐1R using a lentiviral vector.Materials and MethodsProstate cancer tissues were extracted by prostatectomy and biopsy. GLP‐1R was overexpressed in ALVA‐41 cells using a lentiviral vector (ALVA‐41‐GLP‐1R cells). GLP‐1R expression was detected by immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation was examined by growth curves and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assays. Cell cycle distribution and regulators were examined by flow cytometry and western blotting. In vivo experiments were carried out using a xenografted model.ResultsGLP‐1R expression levels were significantly inversely associated with the Gleason score of human prostate cancer tissues. Abundant GLP‐1R expression and functions were confirmed in ALVA‐41‐GLP‐1R cells. Exendin‐4 significantly decreased ALVA‐41‐GLP‐1R cell proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. DNA synthesis and G1‐to‐S phase transition were inhibited in ALVA‐41‐GLP‐1R cells. SKP2 expression was decreased and p27Kip1 protein was subsequently increased in ALVA‐41‐GLP‐1R cells treated with exendin‐4. In vivo experiments carried out by implanting ALVA‐41‐GLP‐1R cells showed that exendin‐4 decreased prostate cancer growth by activation of GLP‐1R overexpressed in ALVA41‐GLP‐1R cells.ConclusionsForced expression of GLP‐1R attenuates prostate cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting cell cycle progression in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, GLP‐1R activation might be a potential therapy for prostate cancer.
Caregiver Needs Assessment in Primary Care: Views of Clinicians, Staff, Patients, and Caregivers
Authors: Riffin Catherine , Wolff Jennifer L. , Estill Matthew , Prabhu Sheela , Pillemer Karl A. 
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVESTo understand current practices, challenges, and opportunities for a systematic assessment of family caregiversʼ needs and risks in primary care.DESIGNQualitative study consisting of in‐depth semi‐structured interviews.SETTINGFour primary care practices located in urban and rural settings.PARTICIPANTSPrimary care clinicians, staff, and administrators (N = 30), as well as older adult patients and family caregivers (N = 40), recruited using purposive and maximum variation sampling.MEASUREMENTSCurrent experiences, challenges, and opportunities for integrating standardized caregiver assessment into primary care delivery. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed; transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparative method of data analysis.RESULTSParticipating clinicians had been in practice for an average of 12.8 years (range = 1‐36 y). Patients had a mean age of 84.0 years (standard deviation [SD] = 9.7); caregivers had a mean age of 67.0 years (SD = 9.3). There was wide variability in current practices for identifying caregiversʼ needs and risks, encompassing direct and indirect approaches, when such issues are considered. Participants posited that integrating standardized caregiver assessment into primary care delivery could help improve patient care, enhance clinician‐caregiver communication, and validate caregiversʼ efforts. Barriers to assessment included insufficient time and reimbursement, liability concerns, lack of awareness of community resources, and concerns about patient autonomy. To facilitate future uptake of caregiver assessment, participants recommended brief self‐administered assessment tools and post‐screen discussions with practice staff.CONCLUSIONIdentification of caregiversʼ needs and risks in primary care is highly variable. Integration of standardized caregiver assessment into practice requires coordinated changes to policy, revision of practice workflows, and an interdisciplinary approach to the development of appropriate assessment tools. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1262–1270, 2020.
Overcoming the Achilles’ heel of orthostatic hypotension during interactive standing liposculpture
Authors: Chong Kinman , Sun Cheuk‐Kwan , Miao Yong , Hu Zhi‐qi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundOrthostatic hypotension (OH) is a major obstacle to standing liposculpture.AimsTo investigate the feasibility of a novel "interactive standing liposculpture" procedure under local anesthesia to avoid possible general anesthesia‐related complications and overcome standing‐associated OH.MethodsA total of 68 subjects undergoing IsLipo were divided into three groups: Individuals with normal body weight (18 ≤ BMI < 23, n = 21, Group 1), overweight or mildly obese subjects (23 ≤ BMI < 30, n = 29, Group 2), and those with moderate‐to‐severe obesity (BMI ≥ 30, n = 18, Group 3). A 4‐area liposculpture technique was adopted with alternate change in position from recumbent to standing for each area. Subjects with symptoms of OH (ie, dizziness or/and nausea) were allowed to rest in a supine position before resuming the procedure. Incidence of OH and duration of liposculpture for each area were recorded and analyzed.ResultsThe incidence of OH was 15 (four subjects experienced two episodes during the same procedure). All OH episodes occurred in Group 3 subjects. The total liposuction time significantly increased from Group 1 to Group 3 (all P < .001). The IsLipo time in Group 3 was also substantially longer than that in Group 1 and Group 2 (P < .001). Mean arterial blood pressure dropped and heart rate increased significantly in all subjects experiencing OH without fluctuation in arterial oxygen saturation. All subjects with OH recovered after a 10‐minute rest and resumed the IsLipo procedure. Successful liposculpture were performed in all subjects.ConclusionOrthostatic hypotension associated with interactive standing liposculpture, which predominantly occurred in subjects with moderate‐to‐severe obesity, could be resolved with an intraoperative resting strategy.
Review and development of Thurstonian models for the triangle and duo‐trio methods and paired versions of the methods
Authors: Bi Jian , Kuesten Carla 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThere are two main objectives of this paper. One is to review the current Thurstonian models for the conventional and modified triangle and duo‐trio methods. Another objective is to develop Thurstonian models for, and assess the performances of the paired triangle and paired duo‐trio methods with AB and BA pairs. Bradley's models based on the noncentral F distribution for the triangle and duo‐trio methods are revisited and are used to derive the psychometric functions for the paired versions of the triangle and duo‐trio methods. The simulation‐derived psychometric functions for the new methods are also produced. The performances of the new methods in both difference and similarity/equivalence tests are explored and show that the new methods are more powerful than most of the conventional unspecified forced‐choice methods and are similar to the unspecified tetrad.Practical applicationsThe triangle and the duo‐trio methods are popular sensory discrimination methods used widely in sensory and consumer research. One weakness of the methods is relatively lower testing power.The paired triangle and paired duo‐trio methods proposed and explored in this paper overcome this weakness of the conventional methods. The paired versions of the methods are more powerful than most of the conventional unspecified discrimination methods in difference and similarity tests for products. The new methods are particularly suitable for assessment of before–after treatment effects of products. The methods have wide potential application for visual and manual inspection testing of food or non‐food products where less sensory fatigue is of concern. R codes were developed and provided in the paper for the Thurstonian models of both the conventional versions and the paired versions of the triangle and the duo‐trio methods.
Hepatoprotective impact of the bile acid receptor TGR5
Authors: Merlen Grégory , Bidault‐Jourdainne Valeska , Kahale Nicolas , Glenisson Mathilde , Ursic‐Bedoya José , Doignon Isabelle , Garcin Isabelle , Humbert Lydie , Rainteau Dominique , Tordjmann Thierry 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDuring liver repair after injury, bile secretion has to be tightly modulated in order to preserve liver parenchyma from bile acid (BA)‐induced injury. The mechanisms allowing the liver to maintain biliary homeostasis during repair after injury are not completely understood. Besides their historical role in lipid digestion, bile acids (BA) and their receptors constitute a signalling network with multiple impacts on liver repair, both stimulating regeneration and protecting the liver from BA overload. BA signal through nuclear (mainly Farnesoid X Receptor, FXR) and membrane (mainly G Protein‐coupled BA Receptor 1, GPBAR‐1 or TGR5) receptors to elicit a wide array of biological responses. While a great number of studies have been dedicated to the hepato‐protective impact of FXR signalling, TGR5 is by far less explored in this context. Because the liver has to face massive and potentially harmful BA overload after partial ablation or destruction, BA‐induced protective responses crucially contribute to spare liver repair capacities. Based on the available literature, the TGR5 BA receptor protects the remnant liver and maintains biliary homeostasis, mainly through the control of inflammation, biliary epithelial barrier permeability, BA pool hydrophobicity and sinusoidal blood flow. Mouse experimental models of liver injury reveal that in the lack of TGR5, excessive inflammation, leaky biliary epithelium and hydrophobic BA overload result in parenchymal insult and compromise optimal restoration of a functional liver mass. Translational perspectives are thus opened to target TGR5 with the aim of protecting the liver in the context of injury and BA overload.
Intercontinental long‐distance seed dispersal across the Mediterranean Basin explains population genetic structure of a bird‐dispersed shrub
Authors: Martínez‐López Vicente , García Cristina , Zapata Víctor , Robledano Francisco , De la Rúa Pilar 
Published: March 2020

AbstractLong‐distance dispersal (LDD) is a pivotal process for plants determining their range of distribution and promoting gene flow among distant populations. Most fleshy‐fruited species rely on frugivorous vertebrates to disperse their seeds across the landscape. While LDD events are difficult to record, a few ecological studies have shown that birds move a sizeable number of ingested seeds across geographic barriers, such as sea straits. The foraging movements of migrant frugivores across distant populations, including those separated by geographic barriers, creates a constant flow of propagules that in turn shapes the spatial distributions of the genetic variation in populations. Here, we have analysed the genetic diversity and structure of 74 populations ofPistacia lentiscus, a fleshy‐fruited shrub widely distributed in the Mediterranean Basin, to elucidate whether the Mediterranean Sea acts as a geographic barrier or alternatively whether migratory frugivorous birds promote gene flow among populations located on both sides of the sea. Our results show reduced genetic distances among populations, including intercontinental populations, and they show a significant genetic structure across an eastern‐western axis. These findings are consistent with known bird migratory routes that connect the European and African continents following a north‐southwards direction during the fruiting season of many fleshy‐fruited plants. Further, approximate Bayesian analysis failed to explain the observed patterns as a result of historical population migrations at the end of Last Glacial Maximum. Therefore, anthropic and/or climatic changes that would disrupt the migratory routes of frugivorous birds might have genetic consequences for the plant species they feed upon.
Multiculturalism as a New Form of Nationalism?
Authors: Modood Tariq 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWhat is often described today as neo‐nationalism or nationalist populism today arguably looks like the old nationalism. What is emerging as genuinely new are the identity‐based nationalisms of the centre left, sometimes called “liberal nationalism” or “progressive patriotism.” I offer my own contribution to the latter, which may be called “multicultural nationalism.” I argue that multiculturalism is a mode of integration that does not just emphasise the centrality of minority group identities but argues that integration is incomplete without remaking national identity so that all can have a sense of belonging to it. This multiculturalist approach to national belonging has some relation to liberal nationalism. It, however, makes not just individual rights but minority accommodation a feature of acceptable nationalism. Moreover, accommodation here particularly includes ethno‐religious groups in ways that are difficult for radical regimes of secularism. For these reasons, multicultural nationalism unites the concerns of some of those currently sympathetic to majoritarian nationalism and those who are prodiversity and minority accommodationist in the way that liberal nationalism (with its emphasis on individualism and majoritarianism) does not. It therefore represents the political idea and tendency most likely to offer a feasible alternative rallying point to monocultural nationalism.
Should oral foci of infection be removed before the onset of radiotherapy or chemotherapy?
Authors: Spijkervet Fred K. L. , Schuurhuis Jennifer M. , Stokman Monique A. , Witjes Max J. H. , Vissink Arjan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPretreatment dental screening aims to locate and eliminate oral foci of infection in order to eliminate local, loco‐regional, or systemic complications during and after oncologic treatment. An oral focus of infection is a pathologic process in the oral cavity that does not cause major infectious problems in healthy individuals, but may lead to severe local or systemic inflammation in patients subjected to oncologic treatment. As head and neck radiotherapy patients bear a lifelong risk on oral sequelae resulting from this therapy, the effects of chemotherapy on healthy oral tissues are essentially temporary and reversible. This has a large impact on what to consider as an oral focus of infection when patients are subjected to, for example, head and neck radiotherapy for cancer or intensive chemotherapy for hematological disorders. While in patients subjected to head and neck radiotherapy oral foci of infection have to be removed before therapy that may cause problems ultimately, in patients that will receive chemotherapy such, so‐called chronic, foci of infection are not in need of removal of teeth but can be treated during a remission phase. Acute foci of infection always have to be removed before or early after the onset of any oncologic treatment.
Multiple epicardial connections during extensive pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Nakamura Kohki , Inoue Mitsuho , Sasaki Takehito , Minami Kentaro , Take Yutaka , Naito Shigeto 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA 76‐year‐old male underwent a pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) of atrial fibrillation. The first‐pass encirclement did not isolate the left superior PV (LSPV). High‐resolution activation mapping during LSPV pacing identified the earliest activation site (EAS) on the left atrial (LA) roof outside the PVI line. A radiofrequency application on the roof isolated the LSPV. Thereafter, an LSPV reconnection occurred. Second activation mapping during LSPV pacing identified the EAS at the bottom of the ridge outside the PVI line. Radiofrequency applications targeting the EAS eliminated the LSPV reconnection. The multiple residual connections may be associated with spared epicardial PV‐LA connections.