bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary lumbar hernia: A rare case report and a review of the literature
Authors: Sarwal Ankush , Sharma Anil , Khullar Rajesh , Soni Vandana , Baijal Manish , Chowbey Pradeep 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPrimary lumbar hernia is a rarely encountered hernia. Surgical correction is the standard treatment for lumbar hernia, and either an open or laparoscopic procedure can be performed with equivalent success. However, open repairs are most commonly performed. Here, we present a case of a primary lumbar hernia that was successfully treated laparoscopically and discuss surgical modalities of treatment reported in the literature. There are two laparoscopic approaches: transabdominal and extraperitoneal. The main advantage of the laparoscopic approach is that it helps the surgeon to precisely locate and evaluate the characteristics of the defect. It also has a lower morbidity rate, shorter length of hospital stay, less postoperative pain, and an earlier return to daily routine activities than the open approach. In the present study, a patient with a superior lumbar hernia was treated laparoscopically by the transabdominal approach. Laparoscopic repair in such cases is feasible and achieves a good result when done by an experienced laparoscopic hernia surgeon.
Genome‐wide association studies identified variants for taurine concentration in Japanese Black beef
Authors: Sasago Nanae , Takeda Masayuki , Ohtake Tsuyoshi , Abe Tsuyoshi , Sakuma Hironori , Kojima Takatoshi , Sasaki Shinji , Uemoto Yoshinobu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe performed genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) using the BovineSNP50 array to detect significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may affect the concentration of 22 free amino acids and three peptides in Japanese Black beef cattle. A total of 574 Japanese Black cattle and 40,657 SNPs from the array were used for this study. Genome‐wide significant SNPs were detected for β‐alanine (three SNPs on chromosomes 22 and 29) and taurine (26 SNPs on chromosome 22). Importantly, the top two SNPs for taurine were highly significant (p = 6.2 × 10−21), and the frequency of the increase‐concentration allele (Q) for taurine was found to be 0.73. The Q allele frequency of this population was similar to that of the other unrelated Japanese Black cattle, but different from that of the other breeds. In addition, the significant SNPs were not associated with carcass traits or fatty acid compositions. Interestingly, the top three of the four most significant SNPs for taurine were located near solute carrier family 6, member 6 (SLC6A6), which is a membrane transporter for taurine. We also found two associated variants in the 5′‐upstream region of SLC6A6; however, they were less significantly associated than the SNPs from the BovineSNP50 array.
Dietary intake of iodine‐enriched eggs decreases the incidence of mouse mammary tumors caused by the activated ErbB2 oncogene
Authors: Oyama Kazunori , Shimoda Takahiro , Miyagawa Makoto , Sone Mizuki , Yokoyama Jiro , Nishimori Katsuhiko , Fukuda Tomokazu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHuman epigenetic studies suggest that consumption of seaweed prevents mammary cancer, which possibly is explained by iodine daily intake. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of dietary intake of iodine‐enriched eggs on mammary tumor incidence caused by the expression of activated type ErbB2. Female transgenic mice were divided into three groups, and fed a basic diet, a diet supplemented with ordinary eggs, or with iodine‐enriched eggs. The number of mammary tumors greater than 5 mm in diameter was recorded in mice at 6 months of age. We report that the average number of mammary tumors per mouse was significantly lower in the iodine‐enriched egg‐added diet group than in either the basic diet or ordinary egg diet groups. These results indicate that iodine intake through livestock‐derived products can reduce the incidence of mammary cancers caused by the expression of activated type ErbB2.
New Robust Statistical Procedures for the Polytomous Logistic Regression Models
Authors: Castilla Elena , Ghosh Abhik , Martin Nirian , Pardo Leandro 
Published: May 2018

Summary
This article derives a new family of estimators, namely the minimum density power divergence estimators, as a robust generalization of the maximum likelihood estimator for the polytomous logistic regression model. Based on these estimators, a family of Wald-type test statistics for linear hypotheses is introduced. Robustness properties of both the proposed estimators and the test statistics are theoretically studied through the classical influence function analysis. Appropriate real life examples are presented to justify the requirement of suitable robust statistical procedures in place of the likelihood based inference for the polytomous logistic regression model. The validity of the theoretical results established in the article are further confirmed empirically through suitable simulation studies. Finally, an approach for the data-driven selection of the robustness tuning parameter is proposed with empirical justifications.
Radical prostatectomy in T4 prostate cancer after inductive androgen deprivation: results of a single‐institution series with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Hajili Turkan , Ohlmann Carsten H. , Linxweiler Johannes , Niklas Christina , Janssen Martin , Siemer Stefan , Stoeckle Michael , Saar Matthias 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo determine the outcomes of complete surgical resection of T4 prostate cancer after inductive androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT), as inductive ADT and subsequent radical prostatectomy (RP) is not recommended by any guideline yet.Patients and MethodsA monocentric RP database was queried for patients initially diagnosed with T4 prostate cancer, considered primarily as inoperable because of a fixed mass defined by rectal examination in combination with high PSA level and/or large foci of biopsy confirmed undifferentiated prostate cancer. Treatment consisted of primary ADT until PSA nadir with consecutive RP. Patients underwent retropubic RP (RRP) or robot‐assisted laparoscopic RP (RALP) after inductive ADT until achievement of the PSA nadir, which is in general reached after 6–7 months. The intraoperative course and complications were analysed. Finally, Kaplan–Meier estimates were calculated for overall survival (OS) and prostate cancer‐specific survival (PCSS).ResultsWe retrospectively identified 116 patients treated between 2000 and 2014. At diagnosis, the median (range) PSA level was 37.6 (2.44–284) ng/mL. The preoperative median (range) PSA after inductive ADT was 0.73 (0.01–34) ng/mL. Thereafter, patients underwent RRP or, since 2006, RALP. The median (95% confidence interval) OS was 156 (118.9–193.1) months. The PCSS at 150 months was 82%.ConclusionsSurgical therapy of primarily inoperable prostate cancer is feasible and safe after inductive ADT. The OS of this cohort seems comparable with results described for patients with primary operable high‐risk prostate cancer.
Psychometric properties and factor structure of the adapted Self‐Regulation Questionnaire assessing autonomous and controlled motivation for healthful eating among youth with type 1 diabetes and their parents
Authors: Quick V. , Lipsky L. M. , Nansel T. R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to examine the psychometric properties of 2 adapted Self‐Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ) measures assessing youth with type 1 diabetes motivation internalization for healthful eating and their parents motivation internalization for providing healthy meals for the family.MethodsExternal validity of the adapted SRQ was evaluated with respect to healthy eating attitudes (healthful eating self‐efficacy, barriers, and outcome expectations) assessed by questionnaire, diet quality (Healthy Eating Index‐2005 [HEI‐2005]; Nutrient‐Rich Foods Index 9.3 [NRF9.3]; Whole Plant Food Density [WPFD]) assessed by 3‐day food records, and body mass index assessed by measured height and weight in youth with type 1 diabetes (N = 136; age 12.3 ± 2.5 years) and their parents.ResultsExploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation yielded a 2‐factor structure with the expected autonomous and controlled motivation factors for both youth and parents. Internal consistencies of subscales were acceptable (α = .66–.84). Youth autonomous and controlled motivation were positively correlated overall (r = 0.30, p < .001); however, in analyses stratified by age (<13 vs. ≥13 years), the correlation was not significant for youth ≥13 years. Autonomous motivation was significantly associated (p < .001) with greater self‐efficacy (youth: r = 0.39, parent: r = 0.36), positive outcome expectations (youth: r = 0.30, parent: r = 0.35), and fewer barriers to healthful eating (youth: r = −0.36, parent: r = −0.32). Controlled motivation was positively correlated with negative outcome expectations for parents (r = 0.29, p < .01) and both positive (r = 0.28, p < .01) and negative (r = 0.34, p < .001) outcome expectations for youth. Autonomous motivation was positively associated (p < .05) with diet quality indicators for parents (NRF9.3 r = 0.22; WPFD r = 0.24; HEI‐2005 r = 0.22) and youth ≥13 years (NRF9.3 r = 0.26) but not youth < 13years. Among parents, but not youth, body mass index was associated negatively with autonomous motivation (r = −.33, p < .001) and positively with controlled motivation (r = .27, p < .01).ConclusionsFindings provide initial support for the SRQ in this population and suggest potential developmental differences in the role of motivation on healthful eating among children, adolescents, and adults.
Insights in particulate matter‐induced allergic airway inflammation: Focus on the epithelium
Authors: De Grove K. C. , Provoost S. , Brusselle G. G. , Joos G. F. , Maes T. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryOutdoor air pollution is a major environmental health problem throughout the world. In particular, exposure to particulate matter (PM) has been associated with the development and exacerbation of several respiratory diseases, including asthma. Although the adverse health effects of PM have been demonstrated for many years, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully identified. In this review, we focus on the role of the lung epithelium and specifically highlight multiple cytokines in PM‐induced respiratory responses. We describe the available literature on the topic including in vitro studies, findings in humans (ie observations in human cohorts, human controlled exposure and ex vivo studies) and in vivo animal studies. In brief, it has been shown that exposure to PM modulates the airway epithelium and promotes the production of several cytokines, including IL‐1, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐25, IL‐33, TNF‐α, TSLP and GM‐CSF. Further, we propose that PM‐induced type 2‐promoting cytokines are important mediators in the acute and aggravating effects of PM on airway inflammation. Targeting these cytokines could therefore be a new approach in the treatment of asthma.
Semantic network management for next‐generation networks
Authors: Matheus Christopher J. , Boran Aidan , Carr Dominic , Collier Rem W. , Kroon Barnard , Murdoch Olga , Lillis David , O'Grady Michael J. , O'Hare Gregory M. P. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTo accommodate the proliferation of heterogeneous network models and protocols, the use of semantic technologies to enable an abstract treatment of networks is proposed. Network adapters are employed to lift network specific data into a semantic representation. Semantic reasoning integrates the disparate network models and protocols into a common data model by making intelligent inferences from low‐level network and device details. Automatic discovery of new devices, monitoring of device state, and invocation of device actions in a generic fashion that is agnostic of network types is enabled. A prototype system called SNoMAC is described that employs the proposed approach operating over UPnP, TR‐069, and heterogeneous sensors. These sensors are integrated by means of a sensor middleware named SIXTH that augments the capabilities of SNoMAC to allow for intelligent management and configuration of a wide variety of sensor devices. A major benefit of this approach is that the addition of new models, protocols, or sensor types merely involves the development of a new network adapter based on an ontology. Additionally, the semantic representation of the network and associated data allows for a variety of client interfaces to facilitate human input to the management and monitoring of the system.
Ethical, legal and social implications of forensic molecular phenotyping in South Africa
Authors: Slabbert Nandi , Heathfield Laura Jane 
Published: May 2018

AbstractConventional forensic DNA analysis involves a matching principle, which compares DNA profiles from evidential samples to those from reference samples of known origin. In casework, however, the accessibility to a reference sample is not guaranteed which limits the use of DNA as an investigative tool. This has led to the development of phenotype prediction, which uses SNP analysis to estimate the physical appearance of the sample donor. Physical traits, such as eye, hair and skin colour, have been associated with certain alleles within specific genes involved in the melanogenesis pathways. These genetic markers are also associated with ancestry and their trait prediction ability has mainly been assessed in European and North American populations. This has prompted research investigating the discriminatory power of these markers in other populations, especially those exhibiting admixture. South Africa is well known for its diversity, and the viability of these particular SNPs still needs to be assessed within this population. South African law currently restricts the use of DNA for molecular phenotyping, and there are also numerous ethical and social considerations, all of which are discussed.
Cognitive safety of intracranial electrodes for epilepsy
Authors: Meador Kimford J. , Halpern Casey H. , Hermann Bruce P. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryTwo recent articles in Epilepsia have raised concerns about adverse cognitive effects associated with intracranial electrode implantation. However, both studies have important limitations, and their results contrast with studies that report no adverse cognitive effects of intracranial electrodes for diagnosis or neurostimulation in epilepsy. Furthermore, no data are provided on the relative safety of depth electrodes implanted along the longitudinal axis of the hippocampus vs other electrode locations or types of electrodes. Instituting changes in the use of depth electrodes based solely on these 2 studies is not clinically indicated. Further research is needed.
Haemangiosarcoma in two full sibling American Quarter Horse geldings
Authors: Fontenot R. L. , Lack A. C. , Maslin W. R. , Bowser J. E. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThis case report describes two full sibling gelding American Quarter Horses that presented separately for evaluation of an external mass (Case 1) and signs of colic and epistaxis (Case 2). The horses had the same owner and resided on the same property for the majority of their lives. Both horses were definitively or presumptively diagnosed antemortem with haemangiosarcoma, and on necropsy, multicentric (Case 1) and primary renal (Case 2) haemangiosarcoma were confirmed. A unique finding on necropsy was extensive bilateral renal involvement. Due to the low incidence of haemangiosarcoma in horses, the unique organ involvement and common ancestry of these two horses, a genetic cause is suspected.
Novel findings from a beta coronavirus outbreak on an American Miniature Horse breeding farm in upstate New York
Authors: Goodrich E. L. , Mittel L. D. , Glaser A. , Ness S. L. , Radcliffe R. M. , Divers T. J. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThis case report describes an outbreak and novel findings associated with a beta coronavirus (BCoV) infection that occurred on an American Miniature Horse (AMH) breeding farm in upstate New York, in January and February of 2013. Twenty‐nine AMH and one donkey were present on the farm when the outbreak occurred. One 10‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare, stabled at a separate location and owned by an employee of the farm, also tested positive. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of BCoV was performed at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) at Cornell on all faecal samples. The PCR assay used detects multiple beta coronaviruses, including, but not limited to, equine enteric coronavirus (ECoV). Novel findings regarding this BCoV infection in horses were recognised in this outbreak study. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the largest outbreak of BCoV described thus far in a closed herd on a single premise. The case fatality rate was 0% unlike that described in a previous outbreak of ECoV involving miniature horses and a miniature donkey (Fielding et al. 2015). The morbidity rate was lower in this outbreak than in previously described studies (Oue et al. 2013; Pusterla et al. 2013). This outbreak also demonstrated the potential for BCoV transmission via farm personnel. The duration of shedding of virus in the faeces among some asymptomatic horses in this outbreak was longer than previously described clinical cases of ECoV (Pusterla et al. 2013; Nemoto et al. 2014). This study suggests that asymptomatic animals may play a role in the maintenance of BCoV during an outbreak; therefore, the need for diagnostic testing of both clinically affected and apparently clinically normal horses on a premises followed by appropriate biosecurity and control measures.
Influence of enzymatic hydrolysis, pH and storage temperature on the emulsifying properties of canola protein isolate and hydrolysates
Authors: Alashi Adeola M. , Blanchard Christopher L. , Mailer Rodney J. , Agboola Samson O. , Mawson John A. , Aluko Rotimi E. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThe aim of this work was to enhance emulsification properties of canola proteins through enzymatic proteolysis and pH variaton. Canola protein isolate (CPI) and hydrolysates (CPHs) were used to form emulsions at pH 4.0, 7.0 and 9.0 followed by storage at 4 or 25 °C for 7 days. Controlled enzymatic hydrolysis led to increased peptide bond cleavage with time (0.23 g/100 g in CPI to 7.18 g/100 g after 24‐h Alcalase hydrolysis). Generally, oil droplet sizes were smaller for emulsions made at pH 9.0, which suggest better quality than those made at pH 4.0 and 7.0. Trypsin hydrolysate emulsions were the most physically stable at pH 7.0 and 9.0; in contrast, the pepsin hydrolysate emulsions were unstable at all conditions. The results suggest that selective enzymatic hydrolysis could play an important role in enhancing successful incorporation of canola proteins and peptides into food systems as protein emulsifiers.
Composition, structure and physicochemical properties of three coloured potato starches
Authors: Yang Liping , Xia Yuesheng , Junejo Shahid Ahmed , Zhou Yibin 
Published: May 2018

SummaryComposition, structure and physicochemical properties of starch from red‐ and purple‐fleshed potatoes were investigated and compared to those of typical yellow‐fleshed potatoes. The starch from yellow has highest amylose (25.23%) content, following by purple (23.30%) and red (20.26%). The growth ring of the three starches differed, but granule morphology was largely similar. Each potato starch exhibited B‐type crystalline patterns, with crystallinity ranging from 20.33% to 22.25%. The molecular weights and z‐average radius of gyration exhibited significant difference among the three starch samples. The branch chain length distribution showed that purple potato starch had highest population of A chains and lowest population of B1 chains. Moreover, the pasting properties of the three samples differed remarkably. The purple (90.92%) and red (86.41%) potato starches presented extremely good light transmittance compared with the yellow potato starch (34.03%). Dynamic rheological analysis showed that all samples possessed a weak elastic gel‐like structure.
0.73ZrTi2O6–0.27MgNb2O6 microwave dielectric ceramics modified by Al2O3 addition
Authors: He Lei , Yu Hongtao , Zeng Mengshi , Luo Ting , Liu Jingsong 
Published: May 2018

Abstract0.73ZrTi2O6–0.27MgNb2O6 ceramics with various Al2O3 contents (0‐2.0 wt%) were prepared by conventional ceramic route. The effects of Al2O3 on the phase composition, microstructure, conductivity, and microwave dielectric properties were systematically investigated. The coexistence of a disordered α–PbO2‐type phase and a rutile second phase was found in all compact ceramics with low Al2O3 contents (x = 0, 0.5, and 1.0 wt%), while a corundum phase was detected when Al2O3 additive increased to 1.5 and 2.0 wt% based on X‐ray diffraction results. With the addition of Al2O3, the decreased grain size of the matrix phase was observed using field‐emission scanning electron microscope, accompanied with increased resistivity and band‐gap energy. Additionally, Al2O3 additives efficiently improved the quality factor of the ceramics. After sintering at 1360°C for 3 hours, the ceramic with 1.0 wt% Al2O3 exhibited excellent microwave dielectric properties: a dielectric constant of 43.8, a quality factor of 33 900 GHz (at 6.6 GHz), and a near‐zero temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (3.1 ppm/°C).
Injection of synthetic mesenchymal stem cell mitigates osteoporosis in rats after ovariectomy
Authors: Shen Miaoda , Wu Ronghuan , Jin Rilong , Pan Jun , Guo Fang , Li Zhuoyang , Lin Xiangjin , Xu Sanzhong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractOsteoporosis is a severe skeletal disorder. Patients have a low bone mineral density and bone structural deterioration. Mounting lines of evidence suggest that inappropriate apoptosis of osteoblasts/osteocytes leads to maladaptive bone remodelling in osteoporosis. It has been suggested that transplantation of stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells, may alter the trajectory of bone remoulding and mitigate osteoporosis in animal models. However, stem cells needed to be carefully stored and characterized before usage. In addition, there is great batch‐to‐batch variation in stem cell production. Here, we fabricated therapeutic polymer microparticles from the secretome and membranes of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These synthetic MSCs contain growth factors secreted by MSCs. In addition, these particles display MSC surface molecules. In vitro, co‐culture with synthetic MSCs increases the viability of osteoblast cells. In a rat model of ovariectomy‐induced osteoporosis, injection of synthetic MSCs mitigated osteoporosis by reducing cell apoptosis and systemic inflammation, but increasing osteoblast numbers. Synthetic MSC offers a promising therapy to manage osteoporosis.
Normative Power Europe Caving In? EU under Pressure of Russian Information Warfare
Authors: Wagnsson Charlotte , Hellman Maria 
Published: May 2018

AbstractScholars have characterized the EU as a normative power whose greatest asset is to be able to shape conceptions of what is ‘normal’ in international affairs. Scholars have argued that a normative power has to meet certain discursive standards; representing others in a non‐antagonistic, humble way. We question whether the EU can live up to this ideal when defending itself against Russian strategic communication. The empirical enquiry establishes that while the EU High Commissioner communicates in line with the stipulated standards, the newly established East Stratcom Taskforce and its publication ‘Disinformation Digest’ diverges from this ideal. The establishment of the Taskforce has led to the EU losing reflexivity and normative power. The article concludes that while Diez’ and Manners’ standards are utopian in the contemporary communicative climate, they remain useful as guiding rules that can help normative powers ‘watch their language’ and avoid doing unnecessary harm.