bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continence changes following transanal endoscopic microsurgery result from the impact on rectal capacity: clinical and functional evaluation before and after surgical treatment
Authors: Mendes Carlos Ramon Silveira , Araujo Sergio Eduardo Alonso , Perez Rodrigo , Cecconello Ivan , DÁlbuquerque Luiz Augusto Carneiro 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Introduction Described in 1983 and with a stable clinical application, the impact of Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery on anorectal function remains unknown. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the impact of Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery on anorectal function according to clinical (Wexner score) and functional (anorectal manometry) evaluations before and after surgery.
Method Prospectively, 23 consecutive patients with rectal lesions were operated using TEO® equipment (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany). For all patients, the value of Wexner score was obtained before and after surgery (7, 30 and 90 days) and anorectal electromanometry was performed before surgery, and also postoperatively (30 and 90 days).
Results Fourteen patients were men. The mean age was 53.7 (24–81) years. The mean distance from the lesion to the pectineal line was 7 (2–15) cm. The histopathologic analysis revealed adenoma in 14 (61%); neuroendocrine tumor in 5 (21.7%); invasive carcinoma in 3 (13%); and hyperplastic polyp in 1 (4.3%) case. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 5 (3–7) months. Wexner score was significantly lower at 30 days compared to 7 days (Wilcoxon; p = 0.03). Rectal capacity was significantly lower 30 days after surgery and recovered at 90 days of surgery (ANOVA; p = 0.04).
Conclusions After Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery, a modest impact on anorectal function can be observed. The transient impairment results from loss of rectal capacity and not from impairment of the anal sphincters, being completely resolved 90 days after surgery.
Disclosure of Sexual Orientation Among Women Who Have Sex With Women During Gynecological Care: A Qualitative Study In Brazil
Authors: Rufino Andréa Cronemberger , Madeiro Alberto , Trinidad Adriana Silva , Rodrigues dos Santos Raiza , Freitas Isadora 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Background
Evidence shows that women who have sex with women (WSW) face disparities in access to health care when compared to heterosexual women in several countries.

Aim
To investigate the experiences WSW have after disclosure of sexual orientation during gynecological care in Brazil.

Methods
We performed a qualitative study using content analysis. We recorded and transcribed interviews with 34 WSW from the 5 regions in Brazil. Data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

Outcomes
The main categories of analysis were decision-making process to disclose and attitude of gynecologists after disclosure.

Results
WSW disclosed their sexual orientation in an un-favorable environment. Gynecologists rarely asked about patients’ sexual orientation and used a script for hetero-normative anamnesis. The reactions of gynecologists were discriminatory, resulting in abbreviated consultations and un-comfortable gynecological exams. They missed a window of opportunity for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various diseases. The experiences Brazilian WSW had during gynecological care demonstrated the dominant hetero-normativity in the health care scenario. The attitudes of the gynecologists precarized the existence of WSW in health service.

Clinical Implications
This study suggests that gynecologists missed an opportunity to use WSW's sexual orientation disclosure to offer specific care to them.

Strengths & Limitations
This is the first qualitative study about WSW’s experiences during gynecological care in Brazil. Future studies should be developed from a wider sampling, especially among lower-class WSW.

Conclusion
The results point out the need for a change in medical training and guidelines to assist WSW in the country.
Sexual Health Care Practitioners' Evaluation of Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Saheb Kashaf Michael , Butler Peter R. , Cordon-Galiano Billy H. , Herati Amin S. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Background
The Institute of Medicine Report and Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2020 Initiative have called for steps to address health disparities facing sexual minorities.

Aim
We sought to characterize the practice patterns of sexual health specialists as they relate to men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods
Surveys were electronically mailed to 696 members of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA). Responses were compared using descriptive statistics and χ2 analysis with Yates correction where appropriate.

Outcomes
Outcomes were SMSNA members' demographics, their assessment of their patients' sexual orientation, and adaptation of care to address the specific needs of their MSM patients.

Results
92 (13.2%) Members responded. While 93.3% of respondents reported treating MSM patients, only 51.7% routinely asked about sexual orientation. Of those that do not ask, 41.9% responded that sexual orientation is irrelevant to their patients' care and 25.6% responded that patients will disclose this information if the patient thinks it is important. Practitioners inquiring about sexual orientation were more likely to practice in urban settings; more likely to inquire about a greater number of sexual behaviors; more likely to tailor their care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender needs; and more likely to endorse the notion that homosexual/bisexual patients have unique sexual dysfunction concerns.

Clinical Translation
Limited and uneven inquiry about sexual orientation necessitates efforts aimed at tailoring care to the needs of sexual minority patients.

Strengths & Limitations
This survey addresses a gap in the literature by investigating predictors and practical consequences of practitioner inquiry about sexual orientation.
Limitations include a low response rate, disparate study population, the potential influence of respondent social desirability biases, and spurious associations due to a multiplicity of statistical tests.

Conclusion
Only about half of surveyed SMSNA members ask their patients' sexual orientation; inquiry about sexual orientation was associated with practice setting and with provider practice patterns and attitudes.
Role of PERK‐eIF2α signaling pathway in fetal male rats with hypospadias induced by di‐n‐butyl phthalate
Authors: Zhao Zhang , Liu Guo‐Chang , Fu Wen 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis study aims to explore the role of PERK‐eIF2α signaling pathway in fetal male rats with hypospadias induced by maternal exposure to di‐n‐butyl phthalate (DBP). DBP was used to treat pregnant SD rats by gastric intubation from gestation day (GD) 14–18 to construct a hypospadias rat model. The amount, weight, anogenital distance (AGD), and hypospadias incidence of rats were recorded and the genital tubercle (GT) of fetal male rats was collected on GD 19. Western blotting was performed to detect the expressions of PERK‐eIF2α pathway‐ and autophagy‐related proteins, and cell apoptosis was detected using TUNEL method. Then, GT fibroblasts of fetal rats were obtained and transfected with PERK‐siRNA to detect cell apoptosis and autophagy in each transfected group. The incidence of hypospadias was 43.49% in fetal male rats induced by DBP. The fetal rats in DBP group presented the decreased birth weight and anogenital distance (AGD)/body weight ratio than the Control group (all P < 0.05). Further, p‐PERK, p‐eIF2α and ATF4 protein expressions and the ratio of LC3‐II/LC3‐I were greatly increased in the GTs of fetal rats, while apoptosis index (AI) and P62 protein expression were evidently decreased (all P < 0.05). In addition, the apoptosis rate was increased in GT fibroblasts after transfection of PERK‐siRNA with the increased P62 and reduced LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio (all P < 0.05). Activation of PERK‐eIF2α signaling pathway can influence the GT development of fetal male rats with hypospadias induced by DBP through activation of autophagy and inhibition of apoptosis.
Impact of antibiotics on smell dysfunction
Authors: Wang Jing‐Jie , Chen Jonathan , Doty Richard L. 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveViral or bacterial respiratory infections can cause long‐lasting olfactory dysfunction. Antibiotic therapy is indicated in severe cases; however, it is unclear whether antibiotic use produces a positive, negative, or null effect on olfactory function. This retrospective study sought to determine whether antibiotic use has an influence on odor identification and detection threshold test scores of patients with smell dysfunction secondary to upper respiratory infections (URIs), lower respiratory infections (LRIs), or rhinosinusitis.MethodsData from a total of 288 patients presenting to the University of Pennsylvania Smell and Taste Center were evaluated.ResultsPatients with a URI etiology who had taken bactericidal antibiotics had lower detection thresholds than did patients who had not taken antibiotics (P < 0.023; analysis of covariance with age and time since infection onset as covariates). Moreover, thresholds were lower for bactericidal antibiotic users than for bacteriostatic antibiotic users with either URI (P = 0.023) or rhinosinusitis (P = 0.028) etiologies. No meaningful influences of antibiotics on the odor identification test scores were evident.ConclusionsThese findings, which need to be confirmed in prospective double‐blind studies, suggest that bactericidal antibiotic therapy may be beneficial in mitigating, at least to some degree, chronic decrements in smell sensitivity due to URIs and rhinosinusitis.
Association between multimorbidity and undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea severity and their impact on quality of life in men over 40 years old
Authors: Ruel G. , Martin S. A. , Lévesque J.-F. , Wittert G. A. , Adams R. J. , Appleton S. L. , Shi Z. , Taylor A. W. 
Published: June 2018

Background.Multimorbidity is common but little is known about its relationship with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Methods.Men Androgen Inflammation Lifestyle Environment and Stress Study participants underwent polysomnography. Chronic diseases (CDs) were determined by biomedical measurement (diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, obesity), or self-report (depression, asthma, cardiovascular disease, arthritis). Associations between CD count, multimorbidity, apnea-hyponea index (AHI) and OSA severity and quality-of-life (QoL; mental & physical component scores), were determined using multinomial regression analyses, after adjustment for age.Results.Of the 743 men participating in the study, overall 58% had multimorbidity (2+ CDs), and 52% had OSA (11% severe). About 70% of those with multimorbidity had undiagnosed OSA. Multimorbidity was associated with AHI and undiagnosed OSA. Elevated CD count was associated with higher AHI value and increased OSA severity.Conclusion.We demonstrate an independent association between the presence of OSA and multimorbidity in this representative sample of community-based men. This effect was strongest in men with moderate to severe OSA and three or more CDs, and appeared to produce a greater reduction in QoL when both conditions were present together.
No sense of ownership in weak participation: a forest conservation experiment in Tanzania
Authors: Handberg Øyvind Nystad 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSense of ownership is often advocated as an argument for local participation within the epistemic development and nature conservation communities. Stakeholder participation in initiating, designing or implementing institutions is claimed to establish a sense of ownership among the stakeholders and subsequently improve the intended outcomes of the given institution. Theoretical and empirical justifications of the hypothesis remain scarce. A better understanding of the effects of local participation can motivate more extensive and stronger participation of local stakeholders and improve institutional performance. This paper applies theories from psychology and behavioral economics to sense of ownership. The empirical investigation is a framed field experiment in the context of tropical forest conservation and payments for environmental services in Tanzania. The results lend little support to the hypothesis in this context. The participation treatment in the experiment is weak, and a possible explanation is that sense of ownership is sensitive to the participation form.
SYLLOGISTIC LOGIC WITH CARDINALITY COMPARISONS, ON INFINITE SETS
Authors: MOSS LAWRENCE S. , TOPAL SELÇUK 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis article enlarges classical syllogistic logic with assertions having to do with comparisons between the sizes of sets. So it concerns a logical system whose sentences are of the following forms: Allxareyand Somexarey, There are at least as manyxasy, and There are morexthany. Herexandyrange over subsets (not elements) of a giveninfiniteset. Moreover,xandymay appear complemented (i.e., as$\bar{x}$and$\bar{y}$), with the natural meaning. We formulate a logic for our language that is based on the classical syllogistic. The main result is a soundness/completeness theorem. There are efficient algorithms for proof search and model construction.
Seismic Anisotropy of the Upper Mantle Below the Western Rift, East Africa
Authors: Tepp G. , Ebinger C. J. , Zal H. , Gallacher R. , Accardo N. , Shillington D. J. , Gaherty J. , Keir D. , Nyblade A. A. , Mbogoni G. J. , Chindandali P. R. N. , Ferdinand‐Wambura R. , Mulibo G. D. , Kamihanda G. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAlthough the East African rift system formed in cratonic lithosphere above a large‐scale mantle upwelling, some sectors have voluminous magmatism, while others have isolated, small‐volume eruptive centers. We conduct teleseismic shear wave splitting analyses on data from 5 lake‐bottom seismometers and 67 land stations in the Tanganyika‐Rukwa‐Malawi rift zone, including the Rungwe Volcanic Province (RVP), and from 5 seismometers in the Kivu rift and Virunga Volcanic Province, to evaluate rift‐perpendicular strain, rift‐parallel melt intrusion, and regional flow models for seismic anisotropy patterns beneath the largely amagmatic Western rift. Observations from 684 SKS and 305 SKKS phases reveal consistent patterns. Within the Malawi rift south of the RVP, fast splitting directions are oriented northeast with average delays of ~1 s. Directions rotate to N‐S and NNW north of the volcanic province within the reactivated Mesozoic Rukwa and southern Tanganyika rifts. Delay times are largest (~1.25 s) within the Virunga Volcanic Province. Our work combined with earlier studies shows that SKS‐splitting is rift parallel within Western rift magmatic provinces, with a larger percentage of null measurements than in amagmatic areas. The spatial variations in direction and amount of splitting from our results and those of earlier Western rift studies suggest that mantle flow is deflected by the deeply rooted cratons. The resulting flow complexity, and likely stagnation beneath the Rungwe province, may explain the ca. 17 Myr of localized magmatism in the weakly stretched RVP, and it argues against interpretations of a uniform anisotropic layer caused by large‐scale asthenospheric flow or passive rifting.
Effective Radiative Forcing and Climate Response to Short‐Lived Climate Pollutants Under Different Scenarios
Authors: Zhang H. , Xie B. , Wang Z. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe used an online aerosol‐climate model (BCC_AGCM2.0_CUACE/Aero) to simulate effective radiative forcing and climate response to changes in the concentrations of short‐lived climatic pollutants (SLCPs), including methane, tropospheric ozone, and black carbon, for the period 2010–2050 under Representative Concentration Pathway scenarios (RCPs) 8.5, 4.5, and 2.6. Under these three scenarios, the global annual mean effective radiative forcing were 0.1, −0.3, and −0.5 W m−2, respectively. Under RCP 8.5, the change in SLCPs caused significant increases in surface air temperature (SAT) in middle and high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere and significant decreases in precipitation in the Indian Peninsula and equatorial Pacific. Global mean SAT and precipitation increased by 0.13 K and 0.02 mm d−1, respectively. The reduction in SLCPs from 2010 to 2050 under RCPs 4.5 and 2.6 led to significant decreases in SAT at high latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Precipitation increased slightly in most continental regions, and the Intertropical Convergence Zone moved southward under both of these mitigation scenarios. Global mean SAT decreased by 0.20 and 0.44 K, and global averaged precipitation decreased by 0.02 and 0.03 mm d−1 under RCPs 4.5 and 2.6, respectively.
Dune Casts Preserved by Partial Burial: The First Identification of Ghost Dune Pits on Mars
Authors: Day Mackenzie D. , Catling David C. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractEolian sediment transport is active on modern Mars and has been for billions of years. Dune fields dot the surface of the planet, and examples of preserved eolian strata confirm that dunes were active on ancient Mars. As is also true on Earth, most Martian eolian sandstones preserve only a small fraction of the strata that constituted ancient dunes, and whole dunes fields are rarely preserved. In this study, we focus on two fields of >300 pits each and compare the pit morphologies, scales, and orientations to modern Martian dunes. It is hypothesized that the pit fields studied in Noctis Labyrinthus and Hellas basin represent casts of dunes from two ancient dune fields that were partially buried in the Hesperian. The flood material concentrated in the interdune area then became indurated, while the loose eolian dune sands eroded away, leaving behind the ~102‐m‐scale dune‐shaped pits or ghost dune pits. Modern barchan dunes in Oyama and Herschel craters are used for comparison to the pit fields, and the topography of these modern dunes is used to model pit morphologies after partial burial. Basalt flows and low‐energy fluviolacustrine deposition are possible mechanisms for partial burial. The potential for eolian strata to be preserved within the pits at a once warm or water‐rich interface makes the pits of interest for astrobiology. The inferred ancient dune fields record in their morphology a wind regime that differs from the modern and provide rare evidence of whole dune field preservation.
Dual-color deep-tissue three-photon microscopy with a multiband infrared laser
Authors: Guesmi Khmaies , Abdeladim Lamiae , Tozer Samuel , Mahou Pierre , Kumamoto Takuma , Jurkus Karolis , Rigaud Philippe , Loulier Karine , Dray Nicolas , Georges Patrick , Hanna Marc , Livet Jean , Supatto Willy , Beaurepaire Emmanuel , Druon Frédéric 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMultiphoton microscopy combined with genetically encoded fluorescent indicators is a central tool in biology. Three-photon (3P) microscopy with excitation in the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) water transparency bands at 1.3 and 1.7 µm opens up new opportunities for deep-tissue imaging. However, novel strategies are needed to enable in-depth multicolor fluorescence imaging and fully develop such an imaging approach. Here, we report on a novel multiband SWIR source that simultaneously emits ultrashort pulses at 1.3 and 1.7 µm that has characteristics optimized for 3P microscopy: sub-70 fs duration, 1.25 MHz repetition rate, and µJ-range pulse energy. In turn, we achieve simultaneous 3P excitation of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and red fluorescent proteins (mRFP, mCherry, tdTomato) along with third-harmonic generation. We demonstrate in-depth dual-color 3P imaging in a fixed mouse brain, chick embryo spinal cord, and live adult zebrafish brain, with an improved signal-to-background ratio compared to multicolor two-photon imaging. This development opens the way towards multiparametric imaging deep within scattering tissues.
Low activity of lytic pelagiphages in coastal marine waters
Authors: Alonso-Sáez Laura , Morán Xosé Anxelu G , Clokie Martha R J 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Phages infect marine bacteria impacting their dynamics, diversity and physiology, but little is known about specific phage–host interactions in situ. We analyzed the joint dynamics in the abundance of phage-related transcripts, as an indicator of viral lytic activity, and their potential hosts using a metatranscriptomic dataset obtained over 2 years in coastal temperate waters of the NE Atlantic. Substantial temporal variability was identified in the expression levels of different phages, likely in response to host availability. Indeed, a significant positive relationship between the abundance of transcripts from some of the most abundant phage types (infecting SAR11, SAR116 and cyanobacteria) and their putative hosts was found. Yet, the ratio of increase in phage transcripts per host cell was significantly lower for pelagiphages than for the HMO-2011 phage, which infects SAR116. Despite the high abundance of pelagiphages in the ocean, they may be less active than other phage types in coastal waters.
A multiethnic genome-wide association study of primary open-angle glaucoma identifies novel risk loci
Authors: Choquet Hélène , Paylakhi Seyyedhassan , Kneeland Stephen C. , Thai Khanh K. , Hoffmann Thomas J. , Yin Jie , Kvale Mark N. , Banda Yambazi , Tolman Nicholas G. , Williams Pete A. , Schaefer Catherine , Melles Ronald B. , Risch Neil , John Simon W. M. , Nair K. Saidas , Jorgenson Eric 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPrimary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss, yet much of the genetic risk remains unaccounted for, especially in African-Americans who have a higher risk for developing POAG. We conduct a multiethnic genome-wide association study (GWAS) of POAG in the GERA cohort, with replication in the UK Biobank (UKB), and vice versa, GWAS in UKB with replication in GERA. We identify 24 loci (P < 5.0 × 10−8), including 14 novel, of which 9 replicate (near FMNL2, PDE7B, TMTC2, IKZF2, CADM2, DGKG, ANKH, EXOC2, and LMX1B). Functional studies support intraocular pressure-related influences of FMNL2 and LMX1B, with certain Lmx1b mutations causing high IOP and glaucoma resembling POAG in mice. The newly identified loci increase the proportion of variance explained in each GERA race/ethnicity group, with the largest gain in African-Americans (0.5–3.1%). A meta-analysis combining GERA and UKB identifies 24 additional loci. Our study provides important insights into glaucoma pathogenesis.