bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transfer of Topical Testosterone to Subcutaneous Microdialysate, Blood and Saliva in Healthy Young Men
Authors: Krebs Andreas , Clement Hans-Willi , Zimmerer Jutta , Schulz Eberhard , Doerfer Jürgen , Wurm Michael , Brichta Corinna , van der Werf-Grohmann Natascha , Schwab Karl 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Objective We evaluated percutaneous penetration of topical testosterone and subsequent transfer to subcutaneous tissue, blood and saliva.
Methods This microdialysis trial involved eight healthy male volunteers. Five participants received a single dose of 50 mg testosterone gel on the abdominal skin and three untreated participants served as controls. Two microdialysis probes were inserted percutaneously into the abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue. On the skin above one probe, testosterone gel was applied (ipsilateral side). A second control probe was inserted on the contralateral side. For the determination of total and free testosterone, samples of subcutaneous microdialysate, serum, and saliva were collected over six hours, frozen, and analysed using ELISA procedures.
Results Testosterone values in the ipsilateral microdialysate of treated subjects increased significantly within 6 h after gel application compared to controls. Salivary testosterone levels showed a rapid increase within 20 min after transdermal application followed by a plateau phase with tenfold increased testosterone levels. Microdialysate testosterone of the contralateral site started to rise moderately within the normal range 1 h after administration of testosterone gel whereas total and free testosterone serum concentrations increased within 2 h in each case followed by a plateau phase.
Summary and Conclusion Single topical administration of testosterone gel leads to a continuous increase of testosterone in the subcutaneous ipsilateral microdialysate. Rapid salivary testosterone increase happens after gel administration followed by tenfold increased testosterone plateau values. Despite continuous influx, testosterone concentrations in serum, saliva, and contralateral microdialysate show a plateau formation thus avoiding testosterone excess.
Effects of work‐matched supramaximal intermittent vs. submaximal constant‐workload warm‐up on all‐out effort power output at the end of 2 minutes of maximal cycling
Authors: Fujii Naoto , Hara Hiroki , Enomoto Yasushi , Tanigawa Satoru , Nishiyasu Takeshi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe tested the hypothesis that work‐matched supramaximal intermittent warm‐up improves final‐sprint power output to a greater degree than submaximal constant‐intensity warm‐up during the last 30 s of a 120‐s supramaximal exercise simulating the final sprint during sports events lasting approximately 2 min. Ten male middle‐distance runners performed a 120‐s supramaximal cycling exercise consisting of 90 s of constant‐workload cycling at a workload corresponding to 110% maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) followed by 30 s of maximal‐effort cycling. This exercise was preceded by 1) no warm‐up (Control), 2) a constant‐workload cycling warm‐up at a workload of 60%VO2max for 6 min and 40 s, or 3) a supramaximal intermittent cycling warm‐up for 6 min and 40 s consisting of 5 sets of 65 s of cycling at a workload of 46%VO2max + 15 s of supramaximal cycling at a workload of 120%VO2max. By design, total work was matched between the two warm‐up conditions. Supramaximal intermittent and submaximal constant‐workload warm‐ups similarly increased 5‐s peak (590 ± 191 vs. 604 ± 215W, P = 0.41) and 30‐s mean (495 ± 137 vs. 503 ± 154W, P = 0.48) power output during the final 30‐s maximal‐effort cycling as compared to the no warm‐up condition (5‐s peak: 471 ± 165W; 30‐s mean: 398 ± 117W). VO2 during the 120‐s supramaximal cycling was similarly increased by the two warm‐ups as compared to no‐warm up (P ≤ 0.05). These findings show that work‐matched supramaximal intermittent and submaximal constant‐workload warm‐ups improve final sprint (∼30 s) performance to similar extents during the late stage of a 120‐s supramaximal exercise bout.
Measurement of Central Aortic Blood Pressure in Youth: Role of Obesity and Sex
Authors: Harbin Michelle M , Hultgren Neil E , Kelly Aaron S , Dengel Donald R , Evanoff Nicholas G , Ryder Justin R 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe relationship between pediatric severe obesity (SO) and central aortic blood pressure (BP) has yet to be established.METHODSWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 348 youth (48.5% male, age 12.7 ± 0.1 years) with a wide range of body mass index (BMI) values: normal weight (NW; ≥5th and &lt;85th BMI percentiles), overweight/obesity (OW/OB; 85th to &lt;120% of the 95th BMI percentile), and SO (≥120% of the 95th BMI percentile). Measures of central aortic BP were obtained via applanation tonometry with SphygmoCor MM3 software.RESULTSAfter adjustment for covariates, no significant sex differences were observed for radial−aortic systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = 0.39), carotid−aortic SBP (P = 0.99), radial−aortic diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P = 0.44), and carotid−aortic DBP (P = 0.53). Compared to youth with NW, youth with SO exhibited higher radial−aortic SBP (SO vs. NW: 102 ± 1 mm Hg vs. 90 ± 1 mm Hg, P&lt;0.001), carotid−aortic SBP (SO vs. NW: 121 ± 1 mm Hg vs. 109 ± 1 mm Hg, P&lt;0.001), and carotid−aortic DBP (SO vs. NW: 60 ± 1 mm Hg vs. 56 ± 1 mm Hg, P = 0.04). Compared to youth with OW/OB, youth with SO had higher radial−aortic SBP (OW/OB: 97 ± 1 mm Hg, P = 0.002) and carotid−aortic SBP (OW/OB: 114 ± 1 mm Hg, P = 0.007). After adjusting for either total-body percent fat mass or visceral adipose tissue, BMI was still a significant predictor of both radial−aortic and carotid−aortic SBP and DBP (P&lt;0.001, all).CONCLUSIONSIn a cohort of youth with a wide range of adiposity levels, central aortic BP was elevated among individuals with SO and associated with BMI but not body fatness.
Experienced Subjective Well-Being During Physically Active and Passive Leisure Time Activities Among Adults Aged 65 Years and Older
Authors: Yamashita Takashi , Bardo Anthony R , Liu Darren 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Background and Objectives
The encore years, or later life stages when adults enjoy health and free time, are the prime opportunity for leisure to maximize the overall quality of life. Physically active leisure is widely known to be linked to overall subjective well-being (SWB). However, experienced SWB or momentary emotion during active leisure as well as passive leisure has yet to be examined.

Research Design and Methods
Data were derived from the 2012/2013 American Time Use Survey Well-being modules. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to identify comparable matched samples of older adults.

Results
The PSM identified 211 older adults who reported a series of emotions (i.e., happy, meaningful, tired, sad, stressed, pain) during active leisure, and the comparable counterpart (n = 211) during passive leisure. Results from the Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests showed that active leisure was associated with greater levels of experienced happiness and meaningfulness, as well as with lower levels of sadness (p < .05).

Discussion and Implications
Physically active leisure is linked to greater levels of experienced SWB among older adults. Although more detailed roles of active and passive leisure for experienced SWB are yet to be verified, choices that older adults make in their free time may significantly impact their experienced SWB and, in turn, their overall quality of life. Aging and public health policies should enhance accessibility to active leisure to promote older adults’ SWB.
Capacity assessment in public health community interventions: a systematic review
Authors: van Herwerden Louise A , Palermo Claire , Reidlinger Dianne P 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe importance of building capacity in community interventions is well recognized. There is general agreement about the determinants of capacity and a range of existing capacity frameworks, however there is limited evidence or consistency in practice around assessing capacity in community interventions. The aim of this review was to describe how capacity is assessed in community interventions. A systematic review of the literature across four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Sociological Abstracts) was performed. Studies in English from 2000 to 2017, that explicitly described how capacity building processes were assessed in community interventions in healthy populations, were included. All types of empirical study designs were eligible. From 2596 records, after exclusion criteria were applied, 19 studies were included describing 12 different capacity assessment frameworks or tools. Seventeen studies assessed capacity processes by measuring individual capacity domains in community interventions. The most common capacity domains used to assess capacity were leadership, resources, partnerships and intelligence. The majority (n = 15) of studies used qualitative or mixed methods designs to measure capacity. Nine studies assessed capacity prospectively over time; three before/after and six multiple times during the intervention. Five studies assessed capacity retrospectively. The findings suggest that capacity assessment may need to remain context specific and flexible in order to capture the ever-changing nature of capacity building over time. Future research should explore the utility of theoretical adaptive capacity assessment guidelines that direct researchers and practitioners when describing capacity assessment in community interventions.
Producing proT cells to promote immunotherapies
Authors: Singh Jastaranpreet , Zúñiga-Pflücker Juan Carlos 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
T lymphocytes are critical mediators of the adaptive immune system and they can be harnessed as therapeutic agents against pathogens and in cancer immunotherapy. T cells can be isolated and expanded from patients and potentially generated in vitro using clinically relevant systems. An ultimate goal for T-cell immunotherapy is to establish a safe, universal effector cell type capable of transcending allogeneic and histocompatibility barriers. To this end, human pluripotent stem cells offer an advantage in generating a boundless supply of T cells that can be readily genetically engineered. Here, we review emerging T-cell therapeutics, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, chimeric antigen receptors and progenitor T cells (proT cells) as well as feeder cell-free in vitro systems for their generation. Furthermore, we explore their potential for adoption in the clinic and highlight the challenges that must be addressed to increase the therapeutic success of a universal immunotherapy.
Updating Beliefs when Evidence is Open to Interpretation: Implications for Bias and Polarization
Authors: Fryer Roland G , Harms Philipp , Jackson Matthew O 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe introduce a model in which agents observe signals about the state of the world, and some signals are open to interpretation. Our decision makers first interpret each signal based on their current belief and then form a posterior on the sequence of interpreted signals. This “double updating” leads to confirmation bias and can lead agents who observe the same information to polarize. We explore the model’s predictions in an online experiment in which individuals interpret research summaries about climate change and the death penalty. Consistent with the model, there is a significant relationship between an individual’s prior and their interpretation of the summaries; and over half of the subjects exhibit polarizing behavior.
Constraints on the neutron star equation of state from AT2017gfo using radiative transfer simulations
Authors: Coughlin Michael W , Dietrich Tim , Doctor Zoheyr , Kasen Daniel , Coughlin Scott , Jerkstrand Anders , Leloudas Giorgos , McBrien Owen , Metzger Brian D , O’Shaughnessy Richard , Smartt Stephen J 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT
The detection of the binary neutron star merger GW170817 together with the observation of electromagnetic counterparts across the entire spectrum inaugurated a new era of multimessenger astronomy. In this study, we incorporate wavelength-dependent opacities and emissivities calculated from atomic-structure data enabling us to model both the measured light curves and spectra of the electromagnetic transient AT2017gfo. Best fits of the observational data are obtained by Gaussian Process Regression, which allows us to present posterior samples for the kilonova and source properties connected to GW170817. Incorporating constraints obtained from the gravitational wave signal measured by the LIGO-Virgo Scientific Collaboration, we present a $90{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ upper bound on the mass ratio q ≲ 1.38 and a lower bound on the tidal deformability of $\tilde{\Lambda } \gtrsim 197$, which rules out sufficiently soft equations of state. Our analysis is a path-finder for more realistic kilonova models and shows how the combination of gravitational wave and electromagnetic measurements allow for stringent constraints on the source parameters and the supranuclear equation of state.
Systematic discovery of uncharacterized transcription factors in Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655
Authors: Gao Ye , Yurkovich James T , Seo Sang Woo , Kabimoldayev Ilyas , Dräger Andreas , Chen Ke , Sastry Anand V , Fang Xin , Mih Nathan , Yang Laurence , Eichner Johannes , Cho Byung-Kwan , Kim Donghyuk , Palsson Bernhard O 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Transcriptional regulation enables cells to respond to environmental changes. Of the estimated 304 candidate transcription factors (TFs) in Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655, 185 have been experimentally identified, but ChIP methods have been used to fully characterize only a few dozen. Identifying these remaining TFs is key to improving our knowledge of the E. coli transcriptional regulatory network (TRN). Here, we developed an integrated workflow for the computational prediction and comprehensive experimental validation of TFs using a suite of genome-wide experiments. We applied this workflow to (i) identify 16 candidate TFs from over a hundred uncharacterized genes; (ii) capture a total of 255 DNA binding peaks for ten candidate TFs resulting in six high-confidence binding motifs; (iii) reconstruct the regulons of these ten TFs by determining gene expression changes upon deletion of each TF and (iv) identify the regulatory roles of three TFs (YiaJ, YdcI, and YeiE) as regulators of l-ascorbate utilization, proton transfer and acetate metabolism, and iron homeostasis under iron-limited conditions, respectively. Together, these results demonstrate how this workflow can be used to discover, characterize, and elucidate regulatory functions of uncharacterized TFs in parallel.
Exposure to Cadmium and Lead in Cigarette Smokers Who Switched to Electronic Cigarettes
Authors: Prokopowicz Adam , Sobczak Andrzej , Szuła-Chraplewska Magdalena , Ochota Patryk , Kośmider Leon 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Introduction
Electronic cigarettes (ECs) seem to be a less harmful alternative for conventional cigarettes. This study aimed to assess whether the generated aerosols from ECs contain lower amount of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) than cigarette smoke and to detect any changes in exposure to Cd and Pb among cigarette smokers who switched completely or partially to EC.

Methods
EC aerosols and cigarette smoke were generated, and the determination of Cd and Pb in trapped samples and e-liquids was performed by the electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry method. A cross-sectional, group-based survey was carried out using 156 volunteers classified into groups of nonsmokers, EC-only users, dual EC users-cigarette smokers, and cigarette-only smokers. Using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, blood Cd and Pb levels were measured, and the results were compared by analysis of covariance.

Results
Transfer of Cd and Pb to EC aerosol was found to be minimal, although the metals were present in the remaining e-liquid from tanks used for vapor generation. The geometric mean blood Cd concentration adjusted for age and sex was 0.44 (95% confidence interval = 0.37 to 0.52) µg/L in the EC-only users, which was significantly lower than those in the smokers of 1.44 (1.16 to 1.78) and dual users of 1.38 (1.11 to 1.72). The blood Pb geometric mean differed significantly only between nonsmokers of 11.9 (10.6 to 13.3) and smokers of 15.9 (13.6 to 18.6).

Conclusion
The study revealed that smokers who completely switched to ECs and quit smoking conventional cigarettes may significantly reduce their exposure to Cd and probably Pb.

Implications
Switching to EC use is associated with a rapid and substantial decrease in the exposure to carcinogenic Cd. Exposure to Pb is probably also decreased but may be overshadowed by other factors. The study provides empirical data based not only on the analysis of generated aerosol but also on biological indicators of recent exposure—that is, the concentrations of Cd and Pb in blood, indicating EC as a potential harm-reduction device, especially regarding Cd exposure. However, in this case, dual EC use-cigarette smoking provides doubtful benefits.
Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Approach for Excision of C8 Nerve Root Schwannoma: 3-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Kindl Radek P , Patel Krunal , Trivedi Rikin A 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Brachial plexus tumors are uncommon lesions in young adults. The majority of these are benign peripheral sheath tumors. In this 3-dimensional video, we present a case of a 19-yr-old female who presented to the neurosurgical outpatients with an anterior neck lump. It has been present for months, causing occasional numbness and paraesthesia in the distribution of the left ring finger. There was no objective weakness in finger flexion with normal long flexors reflexes. The cervical spine and supraclavicular brachial plexus were investigated with a magnetic resonance imaging (Gadolinium) scan (Figure 1). It demonstrated 30 × 20 × 20 mm lesion adjacent to the C8 nerve arising from the neural foramen, however, mostly occupying the space lateral to it. The patient was consented for resection of the tumor. This was done via the supraclavicular brachial plexus approach. The brachial plexus nerves were macroscopically demonstrated lateral to the anterior scalene muscle. The intraoperative electrophysiology was used to directly stimulate the nerves, which aided in accurate tracking during the dissection. The tumor was exposed after tracing the C8 nerve deep and medial to the anterior scalene muscle. It was resected down to the foramen, reaching the level of the epidural venous plexus, while C8 was spared. The patient recovered with no neurological deficit. The histopathology confirmed grade 1 schwannoma. Subsequently, there was no radiological follow-up performed. This case demonstrates the surgical dissection of supraclavicular brachial plexus in 3-dimensions while describing the unusual dissection medial to scalenus anterior muscle.
Microsurgical Clip Placement for a Giant Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm With Intraluminal Thrombus: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Riechelmann Guilherme Salemi , da Costa Marcos Devanir Silva , Caramanti Ricardo Lourenço , Goiri Marcelo Augusto Acosta , Costa Bruno Lourenço , González-Echeverría Kléber , Chaddad-Neto Feres 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Giant brain aneurysms account for approximately 5% of all intracranial aneurysms. Although treatment modalities can vary widely, none is ideal for every patient. Endovascular treatment is usually preferred, especially when the large size of the aneurysm limits visualization of the brain parenchyma and parent vessels that arise from the aneurysm, making surgical clip placement across the neck a difficult task. However, despite the higher chances of morbidity, microsurgery is an effective treatment modality due to lower recurrence rates. Surgically, a wide neck, calcifications, or atheroma are complicating factors to be considered while planning the best treatment. Thus, with an appropriate case selection, a favorable outcome is feasible in most cases. Here, we present the case of a 27-yr-old female who presented with a severe headache for 7 mo and 3 mo of progressive left temporal vision loss, which was confirmed by visual field perimetry using the Humphrey visual field analyzer. Magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction cerebral angiography showed an anterior communicating artery complex inferiorly and medially oriented aneurysm measuring 25.4 × 16.5 mm, with a 3 mm neck. It was fed by the right A1, associated with a hypoplastic left A1, incorporating the proximal right and left A2 segments, with an intraluminal thrombus and causing mass effect on the optic chiasm and hypothalamus. This video demonstrates the microsurgical steps required to perform this operation, through a right orbitozygomatic craniotomy. At a 3-mo follow-up, the patient was neurological intact without complaints.
The patient signed the Institutional Consent Form, which allows the use of his/her images and videos for any type of medical publications in conferences and/or scientific articles.
Restored Self: A Phenomenological Study of Pain Relief by Cannabis
Authors: Lavie-Ajayi Maya , Shvartzman Pesach 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Objective
To explore the subjective experience of pain relief by cannabis.

Design
Qualitative data were collected through in-depth semistructured interviews. Interview transcripts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Subjects
Nineteen patients, aged 28 to 79, who were treated with medical cannabis under the supervision of a pain clinic in Israel.

Results
Three key themes that emerged from the analysis were explored: 1) the Sigh of Relief, describing the corporal sensation of using cannabis, including a sense of relaxation and reduction in pain; 2) the Return to Normality, describing the comprehensive effect of using cannabis, including an increased ability to sleep, focus, and function; and 3) the Side Effects of using cannabis.

Conclusions
We propose the term Restored Self to conceptualize the effect of medical cannabis. Restored Self is the experience of regaining one’s sense of self, sense of normality, and sense of control over one’s life.
Are Teaching Hospitals Treated Fairly in the Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program?
Authors: Al Mohajer Mayar , Joiner Keith A. , Nix David E. 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
To identify the factors associated with total Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program (HACRP) score and with receiving a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) penalty (1% reduction in payment to those hospitals in the lowest-performing quartile of HACRP scores) for fiscal years (FYs) 2015–2017 with a particular focus on trends over this period.

Method
The authors evaluated the following variables: (1) type of hospital (teaching vs. nonteaching); (2) disproportionate patient percentage; (3) case mix index (CMI); (4) number of staffed beds; (5) length of stay (LOS); (6) gross patient revenue; and (7) region, using data from CMS and the American Hospital Directory. They conducted multivariate linear and logistic regressions.

Results
A total of 2,249 hospitals were included. The mean total HACRP scores across hospitals for FY15, FY16, and FY17 were 5.38, 5.35, and 5.18, respectively. In FY15, 21.2% (476/2,249) of hospitals received a penalty compared with 22.6% (508/2,249) in FY16 and 31.3% (704/2,249) in FY17 (P < .001). The logistic regression model showed that teaching hospitals, larger hospitals (> 400 beds), hospitals with high CMI or long LOS, and hospitals in the Northeast and Western United States were more likely to receive a penalty. Teaching hospitals and larger hospitals did not improve their scores over time compared with nonteaching and small hospitals.

Conclusions
A reevaluation of the scoring methodology for the HACRP is needed. CMS could stratify hospitals into homogeneous categories and apply penalties to those that have the worst scores in each category.