bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The duration of infertility affects semen parameters in primary infertile men: results of a single‐centre, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Boeri Luca , Ventimiglia Eugenio , Capogrosso Paolo , Pecoraro Angela , Pederzoli Filippo , Cazzaniga Walter , Pozzi Edoardo , Alfano Massimo , Viganò Paola , Montanari Emanuele , Montorsi Francesco , Salonia Andrea 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveTo assess the relationship between the duration of infertility (DI) and the seminal parameters of a cohort of White‐European primary infertile men.Patients and MethodsData from 1644 infertile men were analysed. Patients were grouped according to the self‐reported DI into 12‐month time frames. Semen analysis values were assessed based on 2010 World Health Organisation reference criteria. Descriptive statistics tested the difference in clinical, hormonal and seminal parameters between groups. Logistic regression models assessed the impact of DI on semen parameters.ResultsA DI of <12, 13–24, 25–36, 37–48, 49–60 and >60 months was found in 207 (12.6%), 651 (39.6%), 387 (23.5%), 168 (10.2%), 92 (5.6%) and 139 (8.4%) men, respectively. Patient's age (P < 0.001) and body mass index (P < 0.001) significantly increased along with DI. Hormonal values were similar across groups. Sperm concentration significantly decreased with DI (P = 0.01). Similarly, a higher rate of non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) was more frequently found in men with a longer DI (P = 0.03). There were no differences in semen volume, sperm progressive motility, total motile sperm count (TMSC), and normal morphology across groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that DI was significantly associated with the risk of oligozoospermia (P < 0.001), TMSC <5 × 106 (P < 0.001), and NOA (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThis cross‐sectional study showed that DI had a negative impact on semen parameters in primary infertile men. Sperm concentration was negatively associated with DI and patients with a longer DI reported higher rates of azoospermia. Furthermore, DI was significantly associated with a higher risk of oligozoospermia, low TMSC, and NOA.
Influence of breakfast on hemodynamics after lunch – a sonographic evaluation of mesenteric and cervical blood flows
Authors: Ishizeki Ayano , Kishino Tomonori , Ogura Sawano , Kuga Haruna , Masai Yuki , Harashima Keiichiro , Nakajima Satoshi , Otaki Junichi , Ohnishi Hiroaki , Watanabe Takashi 
Published: December 2018

SummaryHemodynamics is subject to change after eating meals, which may be related to various postprandial physical statuses such as hypotension or daytime sleepiness. Previous studies have shown that blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) increases after meals, but conflicting results have been reported regarding blood flow in the common carotid artery (CCA). In those studies, the fasting interval before the meal was not taken into account. For example, eating breakfast shortly before lunch may affect hemodynamics in these vessels. The present study therefore investigated hemodynamics in the CCA and SMA after lunch, comparing cases with and without breakfast. Subjects comprised 24 healthy young adults (mean age, 22 ± 1 years). Duplex Doppler sonography was performed to measure blood flow values for calculating flow volume (FV) before and after lunch until 3 h postprandially, on each day with breakfast and without breakfast, respectively, in every subject. Net FV after lunch did not differ between cases with and without breakfast, either in the SMA or in the CCA. Blood FV in the SMA was significantly increased after eating lunch regardless of whether breakfast was eaten (P<0·05 each). However, FV in the CCA was significantly decreased until 1 h after lunch compared with the preprandial state in cases without breakfast (P<0·05), but not in cases with breakfast. In conclusion, a sudden decrease in FV in the CCA from the preprandial state is seen after lunch when breakfast is skipped.
The protective roles of NLRP6 in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Yin Jiuheng , Sheng Baifa , Yang Kunqiu , Sun Lihua , Xiao Weidong , Yang Hua 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe evolution of chronic inflammatory diseases is thought to be due to a combination of host genetic variations and environmental factors that include the alteration of intestinal flora, termed “dysbiosis.” The intestinal mucosal barrier includes a chemical barrier and physical barrier that have important roles in protecting the intestine against inflammatory injury. The chemical barrier includes antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and the physical barrier includes a mucous layer, a monolayer of intestinal epithelial cells and cell junctions. The intestinal mucosal barrier is not a static barrier, but rather, it strongly interacts with the gut microbiome and cells of the immune system. Correct expression of AMPs, together with mucus and balanced epithelial cell proliferation, prevents the occurrence of disease. NLRP6, a member of the nucleotide‐binding domain, leucine‐rich repeat‐containing (NLR) innate immune receptor family, participates in the progression of intestinal inflammation and enteric pathogen infections. It has become apparent in recent years that NLRP6 is important in disease pathogenesis, as it responds to internal ligands that lead to the release of AMPs and mucus, thus regulating the regeneration of intestinal epithelial cells. This review summarizes the activation of NLRP6 and its protective role in the intestinal epithelial cell.
Clinicopathological and immunological features of follicular pancreatitis – a distinct disease entity characterised by Th17 activation
Authors: Ryota Hironori , Ishida Mitsuaki , Satoi Sohei , Yanagimoto Hiroaki , Yamamoto Tomohisa , Kosaka Hisashi , Hirooka Satoshi , Yamaki So , Kotsuka Masaya , Matsui Yoichi , Ikeura Tsukasa , Uchida Kazushige , Takaoka Makoto , Okazaki Kazuichi , Tsuta Koji 
Published: December 2018

AimFollicular pancreatitis is a recently recognised, distinct clinicopathological entity characterised by the presence of many intrapancreatic lymphoid follicles with reactive germinal centres. However, the clinicopathological and immunological features and causes have not yet been established. We assessed the clinicopathological and immunological profiles of patients with follicular pancreatitis who underwent surgery.Methods and resultsThis study included three patients with pancreatic masses (age range = 62–75 years; women:men: 1:2). A histopathological study of the resected pancreatic masses revealed abundant lymphoid follicles with reactive germinal centres in both periductal regions and diffusely within the parenchyma. No storiform fibrosis, obliterative phlebitis or granulocytic epithelial lesions were observed. The immunohistochemical examination revealed an IgG4/IgG‐positive plasma cell ratio <30% in all patients. Podoplanin (Th17 marker)‐expressing lymphocytes were present in the lymphoid follicles of those with follicular pancreatitis, whereas these were absent in normal lymph nodes and in lymphoid follicles of those with IgG4‐related autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). An RNA digital counting assay clearly demonstrated that the expression counts of 20 genes, including dendritic cells and lymphoid follicles markers, and related cytokines were significantly higher in follicular pancreatitis than in IgG4‐related AIP (P < 0.01). The expressions of CCR6 and IL23A, which are genes related to Th17, were high.ConclusionsThis study shows that follicular pancreatitis is a histopathologically and immunologically distinct disease entity of pancreatitis and is characterised by upregulated Th17 expression.
Biocompatibility and immunohistochemical evaluation of a new calcium silicate‐based cement, Bio‐C Pulpo
Authors: Cosme‐Silva L. , Gomes‐Filho J. E. , Benetti F. , Dal‐Fabbro R. , Sakai V. T. , Cintra L. T. A. , Ervolino E. , Viola N. V. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimTo evaluate the inflammatory response and ability to induce mineral deposition through histological and immunohistochemical analysis for osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) of a new calcium silicate‐based cement, Bio‐C Pulpo (Angelus), compared to white mineral trioxide aggregate (White MTA‐Ang) (Angelus).MethodologyPolyethylene tubes containing Bio‐C Pulpo and White MTA‐Ang as well as empty tubes were implanted into the dorsal connective tissue of 30 Wistar rats, which were arranged in five groups according to the period of analysis: 7, 15, 30, 60 and 90 days. After each experimental period, the tubes with surrounding tissue were removed and histologically processed to be analysed using haematoxylin–eosin and immunohistochemistry for the detection of OCN, OPN and BSP. The data were statistically analysed (Friedman's test) at a 5% significance level.ResultsThe inflammatory response observed with Bio‐C Pulpo and White MTA‐Ang was greater after 7 and 15 days and decreased from 30 days onwards. No significant difference was found between the control, Bio‐C Pulpo and White MTA‐Ang at the different periods of analysis (P > 0.05). The immunolabelling for OCN, OPN and BSP was more intense for Bio‐C Pulpo and White MTA‐Ang after 60 and 90 days, but there was no difference between Bio‐C Pulpo and White MTA‐Ang at the different periods of analysis (P > 0.05).ConclusionBio‐C Pulpo is biocompatible and induces immunolabelling of osteogenic markers such as OCN, OPN and BSP similar to White MTA‐Ang.
Preparation and characterization of porous anorthite ceramics from red mud and fly ash
Authors: Xiang Weiheng , Ding Qingjun , Zhang Gaozhan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe porous anorthite ceramics with high porosity, good mechanical strength and low heat conductivity were prepared using red mud and fly ash as raw materials via the pore forming method. The effects of sintering temperature and fly ash on phase evolution, densification, compressive strength, thermal conductivity and microstructure of the ceramic materials were investigated. The results showed that the compressive strength of the porous ceramics had an obvious improvement with the increase in fly ash, and the densification and heat conductivity decreased firstly and then increased. In particular, specimen S2 containing 30 wt% red mud and 40 wt% fly ash sintered at 1150°C had the better performances. It had the water absorption of 18.18%, open porosity of 38.52%, bulk density of 1.29 g/cm3, compressive strength of 42.46 MPa, and heat conductivity of 1.24 W/m·K. X‐ray diffraction analysis indicated that mullite, anorthite, α‐quartz, and diopside ferrian were the dominant phases in the specimens. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs illustrated that plenty of open pores with strip shape and closed pores with axiolitic shape existed in the specimens. Furthermore, the existence of mullite could prevent crack propagation to enhance the energy of inter‐granular fracture. It endowed the porous anorthite ceramics with high porosity, good compressive strength, and low heat conductivity.
The forward‐backward and dual‐panel translation methods are comparable in producing semantic equivalent versions of a heart quality of life questionnaire
Authors: Lee Wan Ling , Chinna Karuthan , Lim Abdullah Khatijah , Zainal Abidin Imran 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimTo investigate semantic equivalence between two translated versions of the heart quality of life (HeartQoL) questionnaire produced by the forward‐backward and dual‐panel methods.MethodsThe forward‐backward and dual‐panel versions of HeartQoL were self‐administered among 60 participants who met the inclusion criteria of being a native Bahasa Malaysia‐speaking Malay, aged 18 and older, having an indexed diagnosis of ischaemic heart disease and being cognitively fit. The administration sequence of the two versions was randomized. Additionally, three sociolinguists, who were blinded to translation processes and survey findings, rated the translated versions against the source version on three aspects of semantic equivalence.ResultsTextual content in both translated versions was considerably similar (n = 9/14 items, ≈64%). The overall results from weighted kappa, raw agreement, intraclass correlations, and Wilcoxon signed‐rank as well as experts' ratings were confirmative of semantic equivalence between the forward‐backward and dual‐panel versions of the HeartQoL. However, some mixed findings were indicative of potential gaps in both translated versions against the source version.ConclusionBoth the forward‐backward and dual‐panel methods produced semantically equivalent versions of HeartQoL; but translation alone is insufficient to narrow the subtle gaps caused by differences in culture and linguistic style.
Genetic determinants of BMI from early childhood to adolescence: the Santiago Longitudinal Study
Authors: Justice A.E. , Chittoor G. , Blanco E. , Graff M. , Wang Y. , Albala C. , Santos J.L. , Angel B. , Lozoff B. , Voruganti V.S. , North K.E. , Gahagan S. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryBackgroundWhile the genetic contribution to obesity is well established, few studies have examined how genetic variants influence standardized body mass index Z‐score (BMIz) in Hispanics/Latinos, especially across childhood and adolescence.ObjectivesWe estimated the effect of established BMIz loci in Chilean children of the Santiago Longitudinal Study (SLS).MethodsWe examined associations with BMIz at age 10 for 15 loci previously identified in European children. For significant loci, we performed association analyses at ages 5 and 16 years, for which we have smaller sample sizes. We tested associations of unweighted genetic risk scores (GRSs) for previously identified tag variants (GRS_EUR) and from the most significant variants in SLS at each locus (GRS_SLS).ResultsWe generalized five variants at age 10 (P < 0.05 and directionally consistent), including rs543874 that reached Bonferroni‐corrected significance. The effect on BMIz was greatest at age 10 for all significant loci, except FTO, which exhibited an increase in effect from ages 5 to 16. Both GRSs were associated with BMIz (P < 0.0001), but GRS_SLS explained a much greater proportion of the variation (13.63%).ConclusionOur results underscore the importance of conducting genetic investigations across life stages and selecting ancestry appropriate tag variants in future studies for disease prediction and clinical evaluation.
Sugary, fatty, and prominent: food and beverage appearances in children's movies from 1991 to 2015
Authors: Matthes Jörg , Naderer Brigitte 
Published: December 2018

SummaryBackgroundMedia presentations of unhealthy food are considered a contributor to childhood obesity.ObjectiveThis study describes food and beverage presentations in a longitudinal sample of children's movies.MethodsWe conducted a content analysis of the 250 most successful children's movies from 1991 to 2015. We identified and coded food and beverage appearances and differentiated between healthy, mixed, and unhealthy products. We also coded integration characteristics and movie characteristics.ResultsA total of 6414 references occurred. Out of these, 41.4% presented clearly unhealthy products. Furthermore, unhealthy products were more likely to be presented centrally, to be evaluated positively, to be interacted with, and to be consumed compared with healthy or mixed foods and beverages. Year and country of production as well as age rating did not have any effects on the appearance and integration of unhealthy products.ConclusionsThe predominance of unhealthy foods and beverages in children's movies is a global and stable phenomenon that concerns children of all ages. Given the ways with which unhealthy foods and beverages are integrated into children's movies, their persuasive potential is much higher compared with healthy and mixed foods and beverages, thus potentially promoting factors that increase childhood obesity.
Lumbar spine fusion: what is the evidence?
Authors: Harris Ian A. , Traeger Adrian , Stanford Ralph , Maher Christopher G. , Buchbinder Rachelle 
Published: December 2018

AbstractLumbar spine fusion is a common procedure associated with a high cost burden and risk of serious complications. We aimed to summarise systematic reviews on the effectiveness of lumbar spine fusion for most diagnoses. We found no high‐quality systematic reviews and the risk of bias of the randomised controlled trials in the reviews was generally high. The available evidence does not support a benefit from spine fusion compared to non‐operative alternatives for back pain associated with degeneration. The available evidence does not support a clinical benefit from spine fusion compared to non‐operative treatment or stabilisation without fusion for thoracolumbar burst fractures. Benefits of spine fusion compared to non‐operative treatment for isthmic spondylolisthesis are unclear (one trial at high risk of bias). Surgical intervention for metastatic carcinoma of the spine associated with spinal cord compromise improves mobility and neurological outcome (based on a single trial). Better evidence is required to determine more accurately the effectiveness of spine fusion surgery for all indications. Patients contemplating spinal fusion should be fully informed about the evidence base for their particular problem, including the relative potential benefits and harms of fusion compared with non‐operative treatments.
The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre lung cancer clinical audit: collecting the UK National Lung Cancer Audit data from hospitals in Australia
Authors: Mileshkin Linda , Dunn Catherine , Cross Hannah , Duffy Mary , Shaw Mark , Antippa Phillip , Mitchell Paul , Akhurst Tim , Conron Matthew , Moore Melissa , Philip Jenny , Bartlett James , Emery Jon , Zambello Belinda 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundClinical audit may improve practice in cancer service provision. The UK National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA) collects data for all new cases of thoracic cancers.AimTo collect similar data for our Victorian patients from six hospitals within the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre and associated Western and Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective audit of all newly diagnosed patients with lung cancer and mesothelioma in 2013 across the six Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre/Western and Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service hospitals. The objectives were to adapt the NLCA data set for use in the Australian context, to analyse the findings using descriptive statistics and to determine feasibility of implementing a routine, ongoing audit similar to that in the UK. Individual data items were adapted from the NLCA by an expert steering committee. Data were collated from the Victorian Cancer Registry, Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset and individual hospital databases. Individual medical records were audited for missing data.ResultsEight hundred and forty‐five patients were diagnosed across the sites in 2013. Most were aged 65–80 (55%) and were male (62%). Most had non‐small‐cell lung cancer (81%) with 9% diagnosed with small cell lung cancer and 2% with mesothelioma. Data completeness varied significantly between fields. For those with higher levels of completeness, headline indicators of clinical care were comparable with NLCA data. The Victorian population seem to lack access to specialist lung cancer nurse services.ConclusionLung cancer care at participating hospitals appeared to be comparable with the UK in 2013. In future, prospective data collection should be harmonised across sites and correlated with survival outcomes. One area of concern was a lack of documented access to specialist nursing services.
Risk factors for mortality in patients with diabetic foot infections: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lynar Sarah A. , Robinson Claire H. , Boutlis Craig S. , Commons Robert J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundAn increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus has led to a high risk of diabetic foot infections (DFI) and associated morbidity. However, little is known about the relationship between DFI and mortality.AimTo investigate the risk of mortality and associated factors in patients with DFI in an Australian context.MethodsA prospective cohort study of inpatients with DFI between May 2012 and October 2016 was done at Royal Darwin Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital for the Top End of the Northern Territory. Primary outcome was 1‐year mortality with Cox regression analysis undertaken to assess risk factors for mortality.ResultsFour hundred and thirteen consecutive adult diabetic patients with 737 admissions were referred to the High‐Risk Foot Service for DFI. Cumulative risk of mortality at 1 year was 8.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.4–12.2). On univariable analysis, mortality was associated with older age (hazard ratio (HR) per year increase 1.08, 95% CI 1.06–1.11, P = 0.001), haemodialysis (HR 3.64, 1.74–7.62, P < 0.001), isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (HR 2.32, 1.05–5.12, P = 0.04) and ischaemic heart disease (HR 2.05, 1.04–4.07, P = 0.04), while indigenous status (HR 0.48, 0.25–0.95, P = 0.04) and HbA1c > 7% (HR 0.45, 0.20–0.99, P < 0.05) were protective. After adjusting for confounders, independent risk factors for mortality were haemodialysis (adjusted HR 5.76, 95% CI 2.28–14.59, P < 0.001) and older age (adjusted HR 1.09, 1.06–1.13, P < 0.001). Patients on haemodialysis had a cumulative risk of mortality of 24.5% (95% CI 14.0–40.8) at 1 year.ConclusionThere is a high risk of mortality associated with DFI, substantially increased in patients undergoing haemodialysis, highlighting the importance of early and dedicated interventions targeted at this high‐risk group.
Role of venous blood gases in hypercapnic respiratory failure chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Wong Eric Ka Cheong , Lee Philip (Cheuk Shing) , Ansary Saidul , Asha Stephen , Wong Keith K. H. , Yee Brendon J. , Ng Andrew T. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundMany patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) have type 2 respiratory failure (T2RF). Often arterial blood gases are not performed and correlation with venous blood gases (VBG) is controversial. The venous pH and bicarbonate (HCO3) are useful, but VBG pCO2 (PvCO2) is considered too unpredictable.AimTo examine the utility of VBG in this cohort of patients.MethodsA prospective study of AECOPD patients with T2RF presenting to the emergency department was performed. Patients being considered for non‐invasive ventilation and who required an arterial blood gas were invited to participate. A subsequent VBG was also taken, and Bland–Altman plots were used for analysis.ResultsSixty‐three patients were included in this study. The limits of agreement for pH and HCO3 were narrow. Wider limits of agreement with a systematic bias of 7.7 mmHg were noted with pCO2.ConclusionsThe utility of VBG pH and HCO3 was again demonstrated. VBG pCO2 in this cohort of patients may have a role in the assessment of patients with AECOPD. Further study is needed on the possible role of VBG in the management of such patients with T2RF particularly those using non‐invasive ventilation.