bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the impact of ejaculatory abstinence on semen quality and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes
Authors: Borges E. , Braga D. P. A. F. , Zanetti B. F. , Iaconelli A. , Setti A. S. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundRegulatory bodies recommend inconsistent ejaculatory abstinence lengths before semen analysis. The literature exploring the effect of ejaculatory abstinence length on the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection is scarce.ObjectiveTo study the influence of ejaculatory abstinence length on semen quality and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes.Materials and methodsThis prospective cohort study included 818 patients undergoing conventional semen analysis from October 2015 to October 2016, in a private university‐affiliated IVF centre. Generalized linear models adjusted for potential confounders were used to investigate the associations between ejaculatory abstinence length and seminal parameters and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes.ResultsIncreasing ejaculatory abstinence length was positively correlated with semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, total motile sperm count and sperm DNA fragmentation index. Significant inverse correlations were observed between ejaculatory abstinence length and fertilization rate, blastocyst formation rate, implantation rate and pregnancy rate. A discriminant analysis showed a mean ejaculatory abstinence length in the positive pregnancy group of 3.14 ± 1.64 days and 4.83 ± 3.66 days in the negative pregnancy group. A cut‐off point was established halfway between ejaculatory abstinence length averages, at 4 days. The ejaculatory abstinence ≤4 days group showed significant lower semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count and total motile sperm count compared to ejaculatory abstinence > 4 days group. The ejaculatory abstinence ≤ 4 days group showed significant lower sperm DNA fragmentation index, and higher rates of fertilization, high‐quality embryos on day 3, blastocyst development, implantation and pregnancy compared to ejaculatory abstinence > 4 days group. The implantation rate was significantly higher and the pregnancy rate tended to be higher with one day of ejaculatory abstinence, compared to 2–4 days of ejaculatory abstinence.ConclusionsEjaculatory abstinence periods of >4 days have a detrimental effect on sperm DNA and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes. One day of ejaculatory abstinence significantly improves implantation rate and tends to increase pregnancy rate, compared to 2, 3 and 4 days of ejaculatory abstinence.
Injecting drug use is an independent risk factor for reincarceration after release from prison: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Winter Rebecca J. , Stoové Mark , Agius Paul A. , Hellard Margaret E. , Kinner Stuart A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroduction and AimsOnce involved in the criminal justice system, people who inject drugs (PWID) have a high probability of multiple system encounters. Imprisonment typically fails to rehabilitate PWID, who upon return to the community are at considerable risk of returning to injecting drug use (IDU) and poor health and social outcomes. We examined the effect of IDU resumption, and a suite of other sociodemographic, criminogenic, health and behavioural indicators, on the timing of reincarceration among adults with a history of IDU following release from prison.Design and MethodsStructured interviews were conducted with 561 PWID in Queensland, Australia prior to release from prison and approximately 1, 3 and 6 months post‐release. Data were linked prospectively with correctional records and the National Death Index. Data collected at multiple time‐points were treated as time‐varying covariates. Kaplan–Meier survival estimates and Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the rate and hazards of reincarceration.ResultsSixty‐eight percent of participants (n = 350) were reincarcerated over a combined observation time of 1043.5 years, representing a rate of 33.5 per 100 person‐years (95% confidence interval [CI] 30.2–37.2). Time‐invariant predictors of reincarceration in PWID were: male gender (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 1.62, 95% CI 1.19–2.21), older age at release (AHR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–1.00), previous adult (AHR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.41–2.84) or juvenile (AHR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.27–2.49) imprisonment, shorter imprisonment (≤90 days vs. >365 days, AHR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.30–3.34), release on parole (AHR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.82–2.88) and drug‐related sentence (AHR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.34–2.53). Time‐varying predictors included resumption of IDU (AHR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.60–2.61), unemployment (AHR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.07–2.19) and low perceived social support (AHR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.05–1.90). Very‐high psychological distress at the most recent interview was protective against reincarceration (AHR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.44–0.95).Discussion and ConclusionsEfforts to prevent resumption of IDU and address disadvantage, social inclusion and health service access in ex‐prisoners through the scale‐up and integration of prison‐based and post‐release interventions are likely to reap both public health and criminal justice benefits.
Morpho‐regulation in diverse chicken feather formation: Integrating branching modules and sex hormone‐dependent morpho‐regulatory modules
Authors: Widelitz Randall B. , Lin Gee‐Way , Lai Yung‐Chih , Mayer Julie A. , Tang Pin‐Chi , Cheng Hsu‐Chen , Jiang Ting‐Xin , Chen Chih‐Feng , Chuong Cheng‐Ming 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMany animals can change the size, shape, texture and color of their regenerated coats in response to different ages, sexes, or seasonal environmental changes. Here, we propose that the feather core branching morphogenesis module can be regulated by sex hormones or other environmental factors to change feather forms, textures or colors, thus generating a large spectrum of complexity for adaptation. We use sexual dimorphisms of the chicken to explore the role of hormones. A long‐standing question is whether the sex‐dependent feather morphologies are autonomously controlled by the male or female cell types, or extrinsically controlled and reversible. We have recently identified core feather branching molecular modules which control the anterior‐posterior (bone morphogenetic orotein [BMP], Wnt gradient), medio‐lateral (Retinoic signaling, Gremlin), and proximo‐distal (Sprouty, BMP) patterning of feathers. We hypothesize that morpho‐regulation, through quantitative modulation of existing parameters, can act on core branching modules to topologically tune the dimension of each parameter during morphogenesis and regeneration. Here, we explore the involvement of hormones in generating sexual dimorphisms using exogenously delivered hormones. Our strategy is to mimic male androgen levels by applying exogenous dihydrotestosterone and aromatase inhibitors to adult females and to mimic female estradiol levels by injecting exogenous estradiol to adult males. We also examine differentially expressed genes in the feathers of wildtype male and female chickens to identify potential downstream modifiers of feather morphogenesis. The data show male and female feather morphology and their color patterns can be modified extrinsically through molting and resetting the stem cell niche during regeneration.
Mixture of tree species enhances stability of the soil bacterial community through phylogenetic diversity
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Huang Yongtao , Liu Shirong , Fu Shenglei , Ming Angang , Li Xiangzhen , Yao Minjie , Li Huan , Tian Chao 
Published: December 2018

The composition of tree species might influence microbial diversity considerably, yet investigation of the consequences of changes in diversity for stability of the microbial community is still in its early stages. Understanding how diversity governs community stability is vital for predicting the response of an ecosystem to environmental changes. Phylogenetic diversity (PD) describes the distinct evolution of species in a community, and might be useful for estimating the effects of biodiversity on ecosystem function and stability. High‐throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to examine soil bacterial phylogenetic distances, phylogenetic diversity and interactions between individuals in five single‐species plantations and three mixed‐species plantations. The plantations were established on the same initial substrate, and sampling was at 68 relatively spatially independent sites. Our results showed that mixed tree species enhanced soil bacterial phylogenetic diversity and community stability, and that phylogenetic diversity had a positive effect on stability of the soil microbial community. We also found evidence that microbial communities characterized by distantly related species with weak interactions were more stable in mixed plantations than communities with strong interactions in single‐species plantations. These results may be explained by the “insurance hypothesis”, that large phylogenetic diversity of microbial communities, which share different ecological niches, insures them against decline in their stability. This is because, even if some microbial species fail to deal with environmental change, others might not necessarily be affected similarly. Our findings demonstrate that phylogenetic diversity is the main controlling factor of the variation in stability across sites and requires more attention in sustainable forest management.Highlights

Mixed species considerably improved stability of the soil bacterial community.
Bacterial phylogenetic diversity was greater in mixed‐ than in single‐species plantations.
Mixed species resulted in weak microbial interactions in a community.
There was a strong relation between phylogenetic diversity and stability.
A comparison of the effects of natural vegetation regrowth with a plantation scheme on soil structure in a geological hazard‐prone region
Authors: Wang Xia , Huang Zheng , Hong Miaomiao M. , Zhao Yun F. , Ou Yan S. , Zhang Jian 
Published: December 2018

The effects of natural vegetation regrowth and plantation schemes on soil aggregate structure and total soil porosity were examined at a typical landslide hazard site in a semi‐humid region in northwest China. The schemes were started in 2008 using four plots, two of which were kept bare; in one natural local vegetation was allowed to grow and in the other planting was managed. Analysis of soil samples (0–100 cm) taken in 2016 indicated that the proportion of soil aggregates <0.25 mm was 43.22 and 29.01% under natural vegetation and plantation, respectively, which was significantly greater than that in the plots kept bare (23%). Soil tensile stress increased from approximately 12 kPa in the bare plots to 18.34 and 16.45 kPa under natural vegetation and plantation, respectively. Total soil porosity, water retention and rate of infiltration increased, whereas bulk density decreased considerably, after 8 years under natural vegetation and plantation in comparison with those properties in the bare plots. Furthermore, natural vegetation had a greater effect than the plantation on soil structure in terms of aggregation and total porosity. The findings of this study provide some insight into the effects of native vegetation and a plantation on soil structure in semi‐humid regions as a prerequisite to the control of both soil erosion and slope stability in regions prone to seismic activity.Highlights
Soil structure was analysed after 8 years of natural vegetation regrowth and plantation.
Eight years of revegetation improved aggregation and total porosity compared with bare land.
Natural vegetation affected soil structure more than the plantation did.
Our results provide some insight into a prerequisite to control soil erosion and slope stability in unstable regions.
Evolutionary dynamics of specialisation in herbivorous stick insects
Authors: Larose Chloé , Rasmann Sergio , Schwander Tanja 
Published: December 2018

AbstractUnderstanding the evolutionary dynamics underlying herbivorous insect mega‐diversity requires investigating the ability of insects to shift and adapt to different host plants. Feeding experiments with nine related stick insect species revealed that insects retain the ability to use ancestral host plants after shifting to novel hosts, with host plant shifts generating fundamental feeding niche expansions. These expansions were, however, not accompanied by expansions of the realised feeding niches, as species on novel hosts are generally ecologically specialised. For shifts from angiosperm to chemically challenging conifer hosts, generalist fundamental feeding niches even evolved jointly with strong host plant specialisation, indicating that host plant specialisation is not driven by constraints imposed by plant chemistry. By coupling analyses of plant chemical compounds, fundamental and ecological feeding niches in multiple insect species, we provide novel insights into the evolutionary dynamics of host range expansion and contraction in herbivorous insects.
Cystic intra‐abdominal testicles: Standing laparoscopic removal in two colts
Authors: Rijkenhuizen A. B. M. , Lichtenberg D. , Weitkamp K. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryThis case report describes the laparoscopic approach for removal of cystic intra‐abdominal testicles in the standing colt. One 3‐year‐old Tobiano and one 2‐year‐old Warmblood colts were referred for abdominal cryptorchidectomy. The horses were clinically and ultrasonographically examined and a presumptive diagnosis of unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism was made. A laparoscopic approach via the flank was used to localise each abdominal testicle. In both colts the abdominal testicle was enlarged and cystic. Each spermatic cord was ligated and fluid was aspirated from the testicle. By reducing the size of the mass minimally invasive removal through an enlarged instrumental portal was possible. Histopathology revealed a cystic rete testis in the Tobiano and a teratoma in the Warmblood. In these cases the cystic enlarged testicles were nonpainful and were incidental findings. A cystic testicle might be developmental (Tobiano case) or arise due to neoplastic transformation (Warmblood case). The laparoscopic approach for enlarged cyst‐like testicles in the standing horse offers a secure minimally invasive method for removal.
RagA, an mTORC1 activator, interacts with a hedgehog signaling protein, WDR35/IFT121
Authors: Sekiguchi Takeshi , Furuno Nobuaki , Ishii Takashi , Hirose Eiji , Sekiguchi Fumiko , Wang Yonggang , Kobayashi Hideki 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSmall Ras‐like GTPases act as molecular switches for various signal transduction pathways. RagA, RagB/RagC and RagD are small Ras‐like GTPases that play regulatory roles in mTORC1. Lack of proper activation of mTORC1 can lead to diseases, such as cancer and diabetes. In this study, we found an interaction between RagA and WDR35. Mutations of WDR35 may cause genetic diseases including Sensenbrenner syndrome. WDR35 seems to be a hedgehog signaling protein with a possible ciliary function and a possible upstream regulator of RagA. RagB is a homologue of RagA and is also associated with WDR35. WDR35 is present in the endoplasmic reticulum, but usually not in lysosomes, where Rag family proteins act as an mTORC1 switch. Over‐expression of WDR35 results in decreased phosphorylation of ribosome S6 protein in a RagA‐, RagB‐ and RagC‐dependent manner. Thus, WDR35 is associated with RagA, RagB and RagC and might negatively influence mTORC1 activity.
Rescue therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus infection after repeated treatment failures: Impact on disease progression and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hanafy Amr Shaaban , Soliman Shaimaa , Abd‐Elsalam Sherief 
Published: December 2018

AimRetreatment after previous failure of direct‐acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a challenging decision. The importance of achieving viral eradication on modification of disease progression and outcome, including the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains a critical issue to be evaluated.MethodsOne hundred patients with repeated failure of sofosbuvir and ribavirin or triple therapy with sofosbuvir, ribavirin, and daclatasvir were divided into a study group (n = 50) given rescue therapy (sofosbuvir, daclatasvir, simeprevir, and ribavirin) or a control group (n = 50) matched for age, sex, and pretreatment variables (Child–Turcotte–Pugh score and Fibrosis‐4 score). Follow‐up was undertaken after the last non‐response to detect serious adverse events, such as hepatic decompensation and development of HCC.ResultsThe study group achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) in 47 of 50 (94%) patients. The control group had significantly higher HCC rates than the study group (7 vs. 1 patients), with an odds ratio of 5.44. The rescue therapy was associated with significantly longer time to the occurrence of adverse events. Repeated treatment failures were associated with progression of FibroScan values in the control group (21 ± 4.5 vs. 10 ± 1.5 kPa, P = 0.001); achieving SVR in the study group stopped fibrosis progression despite non‐significant increase from baseline (13.2 ± 3.2 vs. 10.6 ± 0.6, P = 0.12).ConclusionsRescue treatment for HCV infection was highly effective in achieving SVR, less expensive than the newer agents, and is associated with diminished risk of serious adverse events, mainly HCC in these patients.
Partial replacement of meat by sugar cane fibre: cooking characteristics, sensory properties of beef burgers and in vitro fermentation of sugar cane fibre
Authors: Pluschke Anton M. , Feng Guangli , Williams Barbara A. , Gidley Michael J. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryIn this study, sugar cane fibre (SCF) partially replaced meat in beef burger formulations. The effects of SCF on cook yield, dimensional changes, sensory characteristics of beef burgers and in vitro gut fermentation characteristics were evaluated. Replacing beef with 1 to 5% SCF in burgers significantly increased cook yields from 13.8 ± 0.3 to 59.1 ± 0.3% due to its high water‐binding capacity of 5.89 ± 0.08 g g−1 and oil‐binding capacity of 4.68 ± 0.03 g g−1. The inclusion of SCF improved cooking properties whilst improving sensory characteristics. Burgers with 1% SCF had the highest overall acceptability. SCF was steadily fermented with a porcine faecal inoculum for up to 72 h, producing short‐chain fatty acids. The characteristics of high water/oil binding and fermentability suggest that SCF has the potential to provide a range of dietary fibre benefits, and therefore deserves further study.
Pediatric voiding cystourethrography: An essential examination for urologists but a terrible experience for children
Authors: Johnin Kazuyoshi , Kobayashi Kenichi , Tsuru Teruhiko , Yoshida Tetsuya , Kageyama Susumu , Kawauchi Akihiro 
Published: December 2018

AbstractVoiding cystourethrography is the most important fluoroscopic examination in pediatric urology for the investigation of lower urogenital tract diseases, such as vesicoureteral reflux or urethral stricture. However, this invasive procedure imposes a significant burden on children and their parents, and recently there has been a paradigm shift in the diagnosis and treatment of vesicoureteral reflux. In the 2011 revision, the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines on urinary tract infection recommended abandoning routine voiding cystourethrography after the first febrile urinary tract infection. In 2014, the randomized intervention for children with vesicoureteral reflux study recommended discontinuation of routine continuous antibiotic prophylaxis for vesicoureteral reflux. The time is now ripe to radically reconsider indications for voiding cystourethrography and the procedure itself.
Cost‐effectiveness of home blood pressure telemonitoring and case management in the secondary prevention of cerebrovascular disease in Canada
Authors: Padwal Raj S. , So Helen , Wood Peter W. , Mcalister Finlay A. , Siddiqui Muzaffar , Norris Colleen M. , Jeerakathil Tom , Stone James , Valaire Shelley , Mann Balraj , Boulanger Pierre , Klarenbach Scott W. 
Published: December 2018

Home blood pressure (BP) telemonitoring and pharmacist case management reduce BP, but cost‐effectiveness assessments are mixed. We examined the incremental cost‐effectiveness of this intervention vs usual care in Canadians with cerebrovascular disease. A Markov decision model cost‐utility analysis examining community‐residing, high‐risk patients with a recent nondisabling cerebrovascular event was created. A lifetime time horizon and health care payer perspective were used. Achieved BP, future cardiovascular risks, and attendant consequences on quality‐adjusted life years and Canadian dollar costs were modeled. BP telemonitoring was assumed to occur for 3 months, then quarterly. Life tables were used to determine overall mortality, adjusted by cardiovascular disease mortality. Relative efficacies of intervention‐associated BP lowering, resource use, and costs were obtained from Canadian published literature. Reduction in systolic BP of 9.7 mmHg was used in the base case; subsequently, robust sensitivity analyses were conducted. The results showed that, over the lifetime horizon, telemonitoring with case management led to net health care savings of $1929 Canadian and increased per‐patient QALYs by 0.83. These findings were robust to sensitivity analysis, with the intervention remaining dominant or highly cost‐effective. Increasing telemonitoring costs by 50% still resulted in the intervention being dominant; if the costs of telemonitoring plus case management were 2‐3 times base case cost, incremental cost‐effectiveness was $1200‐$4700 per quality‐adjusted life year gained. In conclusion, home BP telemonitoring and pharmacist case management poststroke lowered costs and improved QALYs. Strategies and funding for broad implementation of this dominant strategy should be implemented.
A convenient method to verify the accuracy of oscillometric blood pressure monitors by the auscultatory method: A smartphone‐based app
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Xi Weichun , Wang Bingjiang , Chu Guang , Wang Fang 
Published: December 2018

It is recommended that oscillometric devices be calibrated by auscultation when first used, but this is difficult in practice. Here, we introduce a smartphone‐based technique to verify the accuracy of blood pressure monitors (BPMs). We enrolled 99 consecutive subjects and tested 6 brands of BPMs in this study. During measurements of electronic oscillometric BPMs, Korotkoff sounds were simultaneously collected using a stethoscope head beneath a cuff connected to a smartphone, and an app named Accutension Stetho could then yield an auscultatory BP reading as a reference. Next, differences in BP between the different BPMs and Accutension Stetho were determined. The percentage of BP differences falling within 5, 10, and 15 mm Hg; the mean (MD) value; and the standard deviation (SD) of BP differences and deflation errors were analyzed among all the BPMs. We found that the percentages of SBP differences falling within 5 mm Hg of the 6 BPMs were 80%, 79%, 77%, 72%, 68%, and 63%, in turn. The deflation rates among the 6 BPMs were 2.23, 3.48, 6.10, 2.44, 3.66, and 4.85 mm Hg/beat, respectively. Deflation errors, which were defined as deflation prior to the end of the Korotkoff sounds, existed in 4 BPMs. In conclusion, Accutension Stetho could detect BP differences between oscillometric BPM readings and simultaneous auscultatory readings. Diastolic BP was overestimated when the device deflated prior to the end of the Korotkoff sounds. Using the app, it is possible to evaluate the accuracy of BPMs among the same subjects.