bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green tea consumption increases sperm concentration and viability in male rats and is safe for reproductive, liver and kidney health
Authors: Opuwari Chinyerum , Monsees Thomas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGreen tea is a popularly consumed beverage worldwide and contains polyphenols, whose antioxidant activities could improve sperm parameters and fertility thereof. We investigated the effect of green tea on the male rat reproductive system as well as its safety. Male Wistar rats were administered 2 and 5% aqueous extract of green tea for 52 days’ ad libitum, while the control group received tap water. Total polyphenol, flavanol, flavonol and soluble solids significantly increased in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro (P < 0.01). Weights of body, testis, epididymis, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and liver, serum levels of testosterone, ferric reducing antioxidant power, creatinine, and sperm motility, remained unchanged (P > 0.05). Kidney weight, sperm concentration and vitality, spontaneous acrosome reaction increased (P < 0.05), while alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels decreased (P< 0.05). Catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione and lipid peroxidation remained unchanged in the testes, liver and kidney (P > 0.05). Histological sections of testis, epididymis, kidney and liver showed no conspicuous alteration. Diameter and epithelial height of seminiferous tubule decreased, while caudal epididymis epithelial height increased (P < 0.01). Consumption of green tea in the conditions used in the present study seems to be safe and improved sperm parameters. However, subtle structural changes observed in the decreased diameter and epithelial height of the seminiferous tubule and increased acrosome reaction needs further investigation.
Endothelial dysfunction in small arteries and early signs of atherosclerosis in ApoE knockout rats
Authors: Berenji Ardestani Simin , Eftedal Ingrid , Pedersen Michael , Jeppesen Per Bendix , Nørregaard Rikke , Matchkov Vladimir V. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractEndothelial dysfunction is recognized as a major contributor to atherosclerosis and has been suggested to be evident far before plaque formation. Endothelial dysfunction in small resistance arteries has been suggested to initiate long before changes in conduit arteries. In this study, we address early changes in endothelial function of atherosclerosis prone rats. Male ApoE knockout (KO) rats (11- to 13-weeks-old) were subjected to either a Western or standard diet. The diet intervention continued for a period of 20–24 weeks. Endothelial function of pulmonary and mesenteric arteries was examined in vitro using an isometric myograph. We found that Western diet decreased the contribution of cyclooxygenase (COX) to control the vascular tone of both pulmonary and mesenteric arteries. These changes were associated with early stage atherosclerosis and elevated level of plasma total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride in ApoE KO rats. Chondroid-transformed smooth muscle cells, calcifications, macrophages accumulation and foam cells were also observed in the aortic arch from ApoE KO rats fed Western diet. The ApoE KO rats are a new model to study endothelial dysfunction during the earlier stages of atherosclerosis and could help us improve preclinical drug development.
Diversity, structure and regulation of microbial metallothionein: metal resistance and possible applications in sequestration of toxic metals
Authors: Chatterjee Shreosi , Kumari Supriya , Rath Sonalin , Priyadarshanee Monika , Das Surajit 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are a group of cysteine-rich, universal, low molecular weight proteins distributed widely in almost all major taxonomic groups ranging from tiny microbes to highly organized vertebrates. The primary function of this protein is storage, transportation and binding of metals, which enable microorganisms to detoxify heavy metals. In the microbial world, these peptides were first identified in a cyanobacterium Synechococcus as the SmtA protein which exhibits high affinity towards rising level of zinc and cadmium to preserve metal homeostasis in a cell. In yeast, MTs aid in reserving copper and confer protection against copper toxicity by chelating excess copper ions in a cell. Two MTs, CUP1 and Crs5, originating from Saccharomyces cerevisiae predominantly bind to copper though are capable of binding with zinc and cadmium ions. MT superfamily 7 is found in ciliated protozoa which show high affinity towards copper and cadmium. Several tools and techniques, such as western blot, capillary electrophoresis, inductively coupled plasma, atomic emission spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography, have been extensively utilized for the detection and quantification of microbial MTs which are utilized for the efficient remediation and sequestration of heavy metals from a contaminated environment.
Investigating the foF2 variations at the Ionospheric Observatory of Rome during different solar cycles minimums and levels of geomagnetic activity
Authors: Ippolito Alessandro , Perrone Loredana , Plainaki Christina , Cesaroni Claudio 
Published: September 2020

The variations of the hourly observations of the critical frequency foF2, recorded at the Ionospheric Observatory of Rome by the AIS-INGV ionosonde (geographic coordinates 41.82° N, 12.51° E; geomagnetic coordinates 41.69° N, 93.97° E) during the low activity periods at the turn of solar cycles 21–22, 22–23 and 23–24, are investigated. Deviations of foF2 greater than ± 15% with respect to a background level, and with a minimum duration of 3 h, are here considered anomalous. The dependence of these foF2 anomalies on geomagnetic activity has been accurately investigated. Particular attention has been paid to the last deep solar minimum 2007–2009, in comparison with the previous solar cycle minima. The lack of day-time anomalous negative variations in the critical frequency of the F2 layer, is one of the main findings of this work. Moreover, the analysis of the observed foF2 anomalies confirms the existence of two types of positive F2 layer disturbances, characterised by different morphologies and, different underlying physical processes. A detailed analysis of four specific cases allows the definition of possible scenarios for the explanation of the mechanisms behind the generation of the foF2 anomalies.
Notfallmedizinisches Management von Handverletzungen
Authors: Gunßer Jan-Christoph , Säuberlich Stefanie , Gässler Holger , Weißleder Anne 
Published: September 2020

ZusammenfassungAuch wenn nicht jede Handverletzung lebensbedrohlich ist bzw. die Alarmierung eines Notarztes nach sich zieht, bedarf es in den meisten Fällen exakter anatomischer Kenntnisse. Am Unfallort stellt die Unübersichtlichkeit der Verletzungen oft eine große Herausforderung dar, die zur weiteren Versorgung meist in ein Traumazentrum mit handchirurgischer Expertise gehört. Im Beitrag werden die Grundlagen der Anatomie, die häufigsten Handverletzungen von Erwachsenen und Kindern und das jeweilige notfallmedizinische Management vorgestellt.
Retrosigmoid Approach for Resecting a Giant Lateral Pontine Ependymoma: Two-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Wang Hongxiang , Yan Yong , Xu Tao , Chen Juxiang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractEpendymoma is one of the most common pediatric tumors in central nervous system, for which gross total resection has been the most favorable prognostic factor.1
2 However, surgery of ependymomas located in brain stem is significantly challenging. This video demonstrates the microsurgical removal of an ependymoma originating from ependymal cells of the lateral recess of fourth ventricle via retrosigmoid approach in an 11-year-old female. The patient presented with a 6-month history of continues headache and vomiting. On examination, she had a walking instability and an emaciated body. Neuroimaging revealed a right lateral pontine lesion extending to the cerebellopontine angle region. The patient underwent a suboccipital craniotomy, followed by excellent exposure for the tumor. Petrosal vein encased by the tumor mass and close adhesion of the tumor and the initial segments of facial and acoustic nerves adjoined brain stem could be seen operatively. While preserving trigeminal nerve, facial and acoustic nerves, posterior cranial nerves, anterior inferior cerebellar artery, labyrinth artery, posterior inferior cerebellar artery, and petrosal vein, gross total resection was achieved under the careful operation along arachnoid spaces together with intratumoral decompression. The patient tolerated the procedure well without any neurological deficits. Histological examination confirmed the tumor as an ependymoma (WHO II). The cytology measurement of the cerebrospinal fluid did not find any tumor cells. Postoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scan depicted complete resection of the tumor, and adjuvant radiotherapy was recommended. She remained symptom-free without any evidence of recurrence during the follow-up period of 1 year. Informed consent was obtained from the patient.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/sZ9GhUeltwc.
Evolution of Liver Transplant Selection Criteria and U.S. Allocation Policy for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Heimbach Julie K. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLiver transplantation (LT) is an optimal treatment option for early-stage unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis as it provides a treatment for underlying liver disease as well as a decreased incidence of recurrent cancer compared with alternative treatment strategies. A primary barrier to LT for HCC is the critical shortage of available liver allografts. The system of prioritization and access to deceased donor transplantation for patient with HCC in the United States has continued to evolve, while variable approaches including no additional priority, are in use around the world. While the Milan criteria remain the most well-established pretransplantation selection criteria, multiple other algorithms which expand beyond Milan have been proposed. The current review focuses on liver allocation for HCC as well as the principles and varied models available for pretransplant patient selection.
Cavernous Sinus Meningioma with Orbital Involvement: Algorithmic Decision-Making and Treatment Strategy
Authors: Raheja Amol , Couldwell William T. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCavernous sinus meningioma (CSM) with orbital involvement presents a unique challenge to modern-day neurosurgeons. In the modern era of preventive medicine with enhanced screening tools, physicians encounter CSM more frequently. An indolent natural history, late clinical presentation, close proximity to vital neurovascular structures, poor tumor-to-normal tissue interface, and high risk of iatrogenic morbidity and mortality with aggressive resection add to the complexity of decision-making and optimal management of these lesions. The clinical dilemma of deciding whether to observe or intervene first for asymptomatic lesions remains an enigma in current practice. The concepts of management for CSM with orbital involvement have gradually evolved from radical resection to a more conservative surgical approach with maximal safe resection, with the specific goals of preserving function and reducing proptosis. This change in surgical attitude has enabled better long-term functional outcomes with conservative approaches as compared with functionally disabled outcomes resulting from the pursuit of anatomical cure from disease with radical resection. The advent of stereotactic radiosurgery as an adjunct tool to treat residual CSM has greatly shaped our resection principles and planning. Interdisciplinary collaboration for multimodality management is key to successful management of these difficult to treat lesions and tailor management as per individual's requirement.
Predictors of Staphylococcus Aureus Nasal Colonization in Joint Arthroplasty Patients
Authors: Stapleton Erik J. , Petrone Brandon , Zois Theofanis , Papas Vivian , Frane Nicholas , Green Evan , Scuderi Giles R. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractEarly identification and treatment of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) nasal colonization can reduce the risk of prosthetic joint infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-specific predictors for S. aureus nasal colonization in total joint arthroplasty patients to aid in preoperative screening protocols. A total of 2,147 arthroplasty patients who were preoperatively screened for S. aureus nasal colonization were retrospectively reviewed. Factors analyzed consisted of procedure type, primary diagnosis, gender, ethnicity, body mass index, the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, use of immunosuppression medication, smoking history, and chronic kidney disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with significance p < 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals. Overall, 3.7% (79) of our cohort tested positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and 23.2% (493) tested positive for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Independent predictors for MRSA colonization were of Hispanic ethnicity (p = 0.001, odds ratio [OR] 13.98, confidence interval [CI] 2.97–65.76), immunosuppression medication use (p = 0.006, OR 2.82, CI 1.35–5.87), and revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedure (p < 0.001, OR 7.51, CI 2.58–21.89). Independent predictors for MSSA colonization were body mass index (BMI) >35 (p = 0.002, OR 1.57, CI 1.19–2.1). Variables were found to be protective against MSSA colonization including female gender (p = 0.012, OR 0.76, CI 0.61–0.94), age 60 to 69 (p = 0.025, OR 0.75, CI 0.58–0.96), and age 70 to 79 (p = 0.002, OR 0.63, CI 0.47–0.84). Age, Hispanic ethnicity, gender, revision THA, use of immunosuppression medication, and elevated BMI were independent risk factors for S. aureus nasal colonization.
Anatomical Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Are Not Important As Patellar Instability Risk Factors in Patients with Acute Knee Injury
Authors: Gobbi Riccardo Gomes , Videira Livia Dau , dos Santos Anderson Albuquerque , Saruhashi Marcello Barni , Lucarini Bruno Romano , Fernandes Renan José Rodrigues , Giglio Pedro Nogueira , Pécora José Ricardo , Camanho Gilberto Luis , Hinckel Betina Bremer 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTo compare in magnetic resonance imaging the anatomical risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and patellar dislocation among patients who suffered acute knee injury, 105 patients with acute knee injury resulting in 38 patellar dislocations (patella group), 35 ACL injuries (ACL group), and 32 meniscus or medial collateral ligament injuries (control group) were included. These groups were compared for risk factors for patellar dislocation (patellar height, trochlear dysplasia, and quadriceps angle of action) and for ACL injury (intercondylar width, posterior inclination of tibial plateaus, and depth of the medial plateau). Univariate analysis found statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the patella and ACL groups in patellar height (Caton-Deschamps [CD] 1.23 vs. 1.07), trochlear facet asymmetry (55 vs. 68%), PTTG (13.08 vs. 8.01 mm), and the patellar tip and trochlear groove (PTTG) angle (29.5 vs. 13.71 degrees). The patella group also differed from control in medial plateau inclination (4.8 vs. 1.87 degrees), patellar height (CD 1.23 vs 1.08), trochlear facet asymmetry (55 vs. 69%), lateral trochlear inclination (17.11 vs. 20.65 degrees), trochlear depth (4.1 vs. 6.05 mm), PTTG (13.08 vs. 9.85 mm), and the PTTG angle (29.5 vs. 17.88 degrees). The ACL and control groups were similar in all measures. Multivariate analysis found the following significant determinants between the Patella and Control groups: patellar height (CD index, odds ratio [OR]: 80.13, p = 0.015), trochlear anatomy (asymmetry of facets M/L, OR: 1.06, p = 0.031) and quadriceps action angle (PTTG angle, OR: 1.09, p = 0.016); between the ACL and control groups: PTTG angle (OR: 0.936, p = 0.04) and female gender (OR: 3.876, p = 0.032); and between the patella and ACL groups, the CD index (OR: 67.62, p = 0.026), asymmetry of the M/L facets (OR: 1.07, p = 0.011) and PTTG angle (OR: 1.16, p < 0.001). In conclusion, in patients with acute knee injury, the anatomical factors patellar height, trochlear dysplasia, and quadriceps angle of action were related to the occurrence of patellar dislocation. None of the anatomical factors studied was related to the occurrence of anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Depression Is Not Independently Associated with a Clinically Worse Functional Improvement but Associated with a Lower Reported Satisfaction Rate after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Clement Nicholas D. , Lin Chung M. A. , McCone Emma , Weir David J. , Deehan David J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess whether depression had a clinically significant influence on the functional improvement of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and whether it influences patient satisfaction at 1 year. A retrospective cohort of 3,510 primary TKA was identified from an arthroplasty database. Patient demographics, comorbidities, WOMAC, and Short Form-12 (SF-12) scores were collected preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Patient satisfaction (overall, pain relief, return to work, and recreational activity) was assessed at 1 year. There were 444 (12.6%) patients who self-reported depression. Patients with depression were younger (p < 0.001), had a higher body mass index (BMI; p < 0.001), were more likely to be female (p < 0.001), had lung (p < 0.001), neurological (p = 0.018), kidney (p = 0.001), liver (p < 0.001), and gastric (p < 0.001) disease, report associated diabetes (p = 0.001), and back pain (p < 0.001) relative to the subgroup without depression. All preoperative WOMAC functional measures were significantly (p < 0.001) worse in patients with reported depression. When adjusting for these confounding differences, patients with depression had a clinically equal improvement in their WOMAC scores at 1 year compared to those patients without. Depression was not associated with a clinically significant difference in improvement of knee-specific outcome (WOMAC) but was independently associated with a lower rate of patient satisfaction 1 year after TKA. Patients with depression were approximately twice as likely to be dissatisfied at 1 year when compared with those without depression. This is a prognostic retrospective cohort study and reflects level of evidence III.
Colorectal Vascular Anomalies
Authors: McGuire Anna , Dickie Belinda H. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractVascular anomalies represent a diverse group of tumors and malformations. Those involving the colon and rectum can greatly impact patients' quality of life. Proper workup to ensure the correct diagnosis can vary and may include endoscopic and radiographic studies. These lesions can also be challenging to treat and often require a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the best possible outcome. Treatment can include medical therapy, sclerotherapy, endoscopic, and operative intervention. Many patients will require multimodal therapy. We discuss the workup and management of vascular lesions of the colon and rectum.
COVID-19 Outbreak: Key Considerations for Safety of Health Care Workers
Authors: Kaur Mohanjeet 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSince coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has unprecedented effects on both patients and health care workers (HCWs), we need to ponder upon various issues pertinent to HCWs, especially females. In this chapter, we intend to have an insight into challenges faced by HCWs regarding their risk profile, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), and social, financial, and quarantine-related issues. We have tried to include data available so far regarding mortality of HCWs in fighting this epidemic. Also, health problems related to wearing PPE kits especially in female HCWs need to be addressed. Hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis for extended duration also needs well-defined guidelines.
World-wide barriers and enablers to achieving evidence-informed practice in education: what can be learnt from Spain, England, the United States, and Germany?
Authors: Malin Joel R. , Brown Chris , Ion Georgeta , van Ackeren Isabell , Bremm Nina , Luzmore Ruth , Flood Jane , Rind Gul Muhammad 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA global push exists to bolster the connections between research and practice in education. However, fostering evidence-informed practice (EIP) has proven challenging. Indeed, this ‘problem’ requires simultaneously attending to multiple aspects/levels of education systems, and to the contexts within which they reside. As such, comparative analyses using systems approaches hold potential for achieving context-specific insights regarding how to foster EIP. However, such analyses have been scarce, and what research does exist has generally been limited relative to methods and theory. Given this, the present study executes and describes/reflects upon a novel approach for analysing and comparing EIP in/across systems. In this study, educators’ evidence use patterns are described and comparatively analysed, using a sample of four regions within high-income national settings: Catalonia (Spain), England (UK), Massachusetts (USA), and Rheinland-Pfalz (Germany). This study employs a dual analytical frame (a cohesion/regulation matrix and institutional theory) to supply a methodological lens through which to understand EIP within and across these four systems. Together, this approach not only provides a way of accounting for the macro-level differences between contexts, it also enables a comparison of meso-level and micro-level factors (via institutional theory) that might be common and distinct across systems. This study’s findings reveal substantial diversity in the extent and nature of evidence use between systems, which in turn patterned according to distinctive cultural, systemic, and institutional features. Considering these findings, this study’s discussion advances some provisional insights and reflections regarding actual and potential EIP in education. For example, variability relative to the types/extents of accountability pressures, and how this affected educators’ data and evidence use, enabled a discussion holding relevance for policymakers. We also share process-related insights—i.e., describing the advances and challenges we experienced while undertaking this new approach. These points hold relevance for colleagues wishing to emulate and improve upon the efforts described herein, which we argue are applicable both in and beyond the education sector. Relative to education, these approaches can be applied and improved with an eye toward developing context-specific (vs. one-size-fits-all) packages for fostering EIP and, ultimately, achieving high quality and progressively improving schools/systems.
In and out of tune
Authors: Naranjo Beatriz , Rojo López Ana María 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study explores the potential effects of musical congruence and incongruence on translation quality and creativity. An experiment was carried out in which participants translated excerpts from happy and sad narratives while they listened to source-text congruent and incongruent soundtracks. Statistical analyses were performed to compare translation performance under three different sound conditions: musical congruence, musical incongruence, and silence. The results reveal a positive influence of congruent musical stimuli on translation creativity. Correlations are also found between levels of empathy and creativity, suggesting that an increase in translation creativity under the effects of music could be mediated by reported high levels of empathy under the musical congruence condition.