bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for advanced colorectal neoplasms in the proximal colon in 6218 subjects undergoing complete colonoscopy
Authors: Hirai Hoyee W , Ching Jessica Y L , Wu Justin C Y , Sung Joseph J Y , Chan Francis K L , Ng Siew C 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackground and AimProximal migration of colonic lesion has been observed; however, risk factors of lesions in the proximal colon remain uncertain. This study aimed to investigate risk factors of lesions in the proximal colon.MethodsConsecutive subjects with complete colonoscopy were included. The primary outcome was risk factors associated with advanced neoplasm (AN) and serrated lesion in the proximal colon. Age, gender, first‐degree relative (FDR) with colorectal cancer (CRC), smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and the use of aspirin, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, and anticoagulants were fitted into a regression model, with reference to subjects without colonic finding. Results were measured by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsAmong 6218 subjects (mean age 56.65 ± 6.15 years; 46.8% male), 352 (5.7%) had AN; 809 (13.0%) had serrated lesions, and 3648 (58.7%) had no colonic finding. There were 148 (2.4%) and 235 (3.8%) subjects having AN and serrated lesion in the proximal colon. Age ≥ 50 (OR: 13.30; 95% CI: 1.85–95.76), male gender (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.26–2.62), FDR with CRC (OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.43–3.15), and hypertension (OR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.30–2.68) were associated with AN in the proximal colon. Age ≥ 50 (OR: 5.72; 95% CI: 2.10–15.53), male gender (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.15–2.05), and smoking (OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.23–2.79) increased risk of serrated lesions in the proximal colon.ConclusionAge ≥ 50 and male gender were associated with both proximally located AN and serrated lesion; FDR with CRC and hypertension increased the risk of proximal AN, while ever smoking increased the risk of proximal serrated lesion. FDR with CRC was not associated with serrated lesion.
Nutrition‐Related Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Older People: Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Erlinger Thomas P. , Pollack Harold , Appel Lawrence J. 
Published: June 2018

SETTINGIn view of the recognized potential benefits of nutritional therapy in older persons, Congress is evaluating the coverage of nutritional services for Medicare beneficiaries.OBJECTIVETo estimate the number of older persons in the US who have one or more cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, increased low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and diabetes mellitus), for which nutritional therapy is recommended.DESIGNCross‐sectional analysis of adults, aged ≥65, participating in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).MAIN OUTCOMESThe authors estimated the proportion of adults, aged ≥65, with diabetes mellitus, increased LDL cholesterol, and/or hypertension. Efforts were made to assess whether obesity status, gender, race, and/or socioeconomic factors were associated with the prevalence of any or all three conditions.RESULTSApproximately 86% (20 million persons) in the US, aged ≥65, have at least one of the index conditions. Whereas a higher body mass index (BMI) increased the likelihood of having any or all three conditions, 81% of persons of average body weight (BMI <25 kg/m2) had at least one condition. After adjusting for age, gender, BMI, marital status, and poverty index, blacks were more likely than whites to have any one condition (odds ratio (OR) = 3.0, P < .01) or all three conditions (OR = 2.3, P = .05).CONCLUSIONSAlmost 90% of Americans ≥aged have one or more nutrition‐related cardiovascular risk factors. Improved nutritional interventions may be valuable especially for blacks, who have a higher prevalence of conditions requiring nutritional therapy.
A Case‐Oriented Web‐Based Curriculum in Geriatrics for Third‐Year Medical Students
Authors: Swagerty Daniel , Studenski Stephanie , Laird Rosemary , Rigler Sally 
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVESThis paper describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a case‐oriented, web‐based curriculum in geriatric medicine for third‐year medical students.DESIGNSingle cohort, pre/post trial.SETTINGUniversity of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas.PARTICIPANTSThird‐year medical students (n = 130).INTERVENTIONA web‐rbased curriculum, offered during a clinical geriatrics clerkship, is composed of 13 case‐oriented, web‐based modules spanning key topics in geriatric medicine. Each module topic is also reviewed in a post‐module, faculty‐led discussion session.MEASUREMENTSA pre‐and post‐rotation test of knowledge was completed. Student feedback about the curriculum was collected through web‐based and written evaluation.MAIN RESULTSPre‐and post‐rotation comparison of examination scores demonstrated an average increase of 13 correct items on a 40‐item exam. Seventy‐five percent of students rated each module favorably at the time of completion (range 53–89%). Most modules (10/13) were rated as excellent or good after all modules had been completed.CONCLUSIONSA case‐oriented web‐based curriculum in geriatrics was rated favorably by third‐year medical students. Students' knowledge increased in key geriatric topics. Student feedback allows for continuous improvement of the curriculum. This model of curricular innovation may be useful for other institutions seeking to develop or enhance geriatric medicine content in the medical school curriculum.
Analysis of Stigma and Bank Credit Provision
Authors: VOSSMEYER ANGELA 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBank rescue programs are designed to provide assistance to struggling financial intermediaries during financial crises. A complicating factor is that participating banks are often stigmatized by accepting assistance from the government. This paper investigates stigma in two ways: (i) it examines how stigma changes a bank's decision to seek assistance from the rescue program, and (ii) it analyzes how stigma affects a bank's ability to operate as a financial intermediary using a joint model for bank‐level application, approval, and lending decisions. The empirical results indicate that stigma hinders the objectives of the rescue program and slows the production of credit.
Remote focusing in confocal microscopy by means of a modified Alvarez lens
Authors: BAWART M. , JESACHER A. , BERNET S. , RITSCH‐MARTE M. 
Published: June 2018

SummaryAlvarez lenses are actuated lens‐pairs which allow one to tune the optical power by mechanical displacement of subelements. Here, we show that a recently realized modified Alvarez lens design which does not require mechanical actuation can be integrated into a confocal microscope. Instead of mechanically moving them, the sublenses are imaged onto each other in a 4f‐configuration, where the lateral image shift leading to a change in optical power is created by a galvo‐mirror. The avoidance of mechanical lens shifts leads to a large speed gain for axial (and hence also 3D) image scans compared to classical Alvarez lenses. We demonstrate that the suggested operation principle is compatible with confocal microscopy. In order to optimize the system, we have drawn advantage of the flexibility a liquid‐crystal spatial light modulator offers for the implementation. For given specifications, dedicated diffractive optical elements or freeform elements can be used in combination with resonant galvo‐scanners or acousto‐optic beam deflectors, to achieve even faster z‐scans than reported here, reaching video rate.
Hyaluronic acid-modified cationic niosomes for ocular gene delivery: improving transfection efficiency in retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Qin Yanmei , Tian Yongfeng , Liu Yang , Li Dong , Zhang Hua , Yang Yeqian , Qi Jianping , Wang Hao , Gan Li 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Recent years, gene therapy to treat retinal diseases has been paid much attention. The key to successful therapy is utilizing smart delivery system to achieve efficient gene delivery and transfection. In this study, hyaluronic acid (HA) modified cationic niosomes (HA-C-niosomes) have been designed in order to achieve retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells targeted gene delivery and efficient gene transfection.

Methods
Cationic niosomes composed of tween 80/squalene/1, 2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) were prepared by the ethanol injection method. After that, HA-DOPE was further added into cationic niosomes to form HA-C-niosomes. Cellular uptake and transfection have been investigated in ARPE-19 cells. In vivo pEGFP transfection efficiency was evaluated in rats.

Key findings
Twenty percentage HA-C-niosomes were about 180 nm, with −30 mV, and showing spherical shape in TEM. 2 times higher transfection efficiency was found in the group of HA-C-niosomes with 20% HA modification. No toxicity was found in niosome preparations. In vivo evaluation in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats revealed that HA-C-niosomes could specifically target to the retina layer. In the group of pEGFP-loaded HA-C-niosomes, 6–6.5 times higher gene transfection has been achieved, compared with naked pEGFP.

Conclusions
Hyaluronic acid-C-niosomes might provide a promising gene delivery system for successful retinal gene therapy.
Impacts of domestication on population genetics of a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Atractylodes macrocephala (Asteraceae)
Authors: Chen Chuan , Zheng Li , Ma Qing , Zhou Wen‐Bin , Lu Yin , Zhao Yun‐Peng , Fu Cheng‐Xin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAs a medicinal herb, Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. experienced centuries of cultivation in China, and germplasm resources of all cultivated populations have degraded over time as a consequence of domestication processes. This study used chloroplast DNA and microsatellites to clarify not only the effects of domestication on population genetics, but also determine the geographic origins of landraces. The results revealed that cultivated populations (except the “Pingzhu” landrace) showed higher genetic diversity than their wild counterparts and low levels of genetic differentiation occurred between cultivated and wild groups. Furthermore, STRUCTURE and UPGMA analyses grouped all wild populations into three genotypic clusters, two of which (in Shaanxi and Hunan Province) shared the same gene pool with cultivated A. macrocephala, suggesting that wild populations in Central China have been involved in the origin of cultivated A. macrocephala. Moreover, the wild population from Qimen, Anhui Province and the cultivated “Pingzhu” landrace harbor unique gene pools and rare alleles that could be useful in future breeding efforts. This large‐scale analysis of population genetics on a medicinal herb that has a centuries‐long history of human‐mediated selection will facilitate utilization and conservation of the valuable genetic resources of medicinal species.
Age, courtship and senescence: sexual ornaments are larger in older great crested newts
Authors: Palau Daval N. , Gardette V. , Joly P. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPatterns of senescence are highly diverse and the underlying mechanisms are controversial. Most studies have focused on endothermic tetrapods, who usually exhibit both actuarial (e.g. the increase in mortality rate with age) and reproductive senescence. However, senescence patterns are less clear in ectothermic vertebrates since these animals exhibit undetermined growth and often increase their reproductive potential throughout their life history. We contribute to this topic by investigating the relationship between age and relative size of sexual ornaments in a urodele amphibian, the great crested newt, Triturus cristatus. We found that the relative sizes of sexual ornaments (crest height, crest area, area of the white caudal spot) were correlated with an individual's age in a population monitored in the wild. These sexual ornaments constitute honest signals reflecting male quality. Thus, the crested newt appeared to undergo negligible reproductive senescence in our population, although further experiments on reproductive success are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
An Accuracy‐Dominance Argument for Conditionalization
Authors: Briggs R.A. , Pettigrew Richard 
Published: June 2018

AbstractEpistemic decision theorists aim to justify Bayesian norms by arguing that these norms further the goal of epistemic accuracy—having beliefs that are as close as possible to the truth. The standard defense of Probabilism appeals to accuracy dominance: for every belief state that violates the probability calculus, there is some probabilistic belief state that is more accurate, come what may. The standard defense of Conditionalization, on the other hand, appeals to expected accuracy: before the evidence is in, one should expect to do better by conditionalizing than by following any other rule. We present a new argument for Conditionalization that appeals to accuracy‐dominance, rather than expected accuracy. Our argument suggests that Conditionalization is a rule of coherence: plans that conflict with Conditionalization don't just prescribe bad responses to the evidence; they also give rise to inconsistent attitudes.
Malate valves: old shuttles with new perspectives
Authors: Selinski J. , Scheibe R. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMalate valves act as powerful systems for balancing the ATP/NAD(P)H ratio required in various subcellular compartments in plant cells. As components of malate valves, isoforms of malate dehydrogenases (MDHs) and dicarboxylate translocators catalyse the reversible interconversion of malate and oxaloacetate and their transport. Depending on the co‐enzyme specificity of the MDH isoforms, either NADH or NADPH can be transported indirectly. Arabidopsis thaliana possesses nine genes encoding MDH isoenzymes. Activities of NAD‐dependent MDHs have been detected in mitochondria, peroxisomes, cytosol and plastids. In addition, chloroplasts possess a NADP‐dependent MDH isoform. The NADP‐MDH as part of the ‘light malate valve’ plays an important role as a poising mechanism to adjust the ATP/NADPH ratio in the stroma. Its activity is strictly regulated by post‐translational redox‐modification mediated via the ferredoxin‐thioredoxin system and fine control via the NADP+/NADP(H) ratio, thereby maintaining redox homeostasis under changing conditions. In contrast, the plastid NAD‐MDH (‘dark malate valve’) is constitutively active and its lack leads to failure in early embryo development. While redox regulation of the main cytosolic MDH isoform has been shown, knowledge about regulation of the other two cytosolic MDHs as well as NAD‐MDH isoforms from peroxisomes and mitochondria is still lacking. Knockout mutants lacking the isoforms from chloroplasts, mitochondria and peroxisomes have been characterised, but not much is known about cytosolic NAD‐MDH isoforms and their role in planta. This review updates the current knowledge on MDH isoforms and the shuttle systems for intercompartmental dicarboxylate exchange, focusing on the various metabolic functions of these valves.
Re‐investigation of Gymnodinium natalense (Dinophyceae), a tidal pool dinoflagellate from South Africa and the proposal of a new combination Ansanella natalensis
Authors: Dawut Mahmutjan , Sym Stuart D. , Horiguchi Takeo 
Published: June 2018

SUMMARYA small tidal pool bloom‐forming dinoflagellate, Gymnodinium natalense T. Horiguchi & Pienaar, sampled from its type locality in South Africa, was re‐investigated and a new combination Ansanella natalensis (T. Horiguchi & Pienaar) Dawut, Sym & T. Horiguchi comb. nov. was proposed. The species was originally described as a new species of the genus Gymnodinium, and later, Moestrup et al. (2009a) transferred it to their new genus Biecheleria based on morphological resemblance. However, no molecular data were available at that time, making confirmation of its phylogenetic affinities impossible. An organism more‐recently isolated from the type locality was confirmed as G. natalense based on its morphological features. In addition, we were able to characterize details of its surface structure, which were lacking in the original description. Cells were covered with small, mostly hexagonal, amphiesmal vesicles (AV) arranged in 11–13 latitudinal rows. The episome contained an elongated amphiesmal vesicle (EAV) enclosing approximately 25 knobs in linear array. A phylogenetic analysis based on SSU rDNA sequences revealed that this dinoflagellate was closely related to Ansanella granifera the only member of the genus. The G. natalense shared numerous characteristics with A. granifera, such as the arrangement of AVs in a similar number of latitudinal rows, the shape and position of the EAV, the possession of a type E eyespot, a similar type of pyrenoid, the absence of a peduncle and nuclear chambers, the lack of a nuclear fibrous connective and no resting cyst‐like cells. Yet, it also showed some morphological differences, i.e. the possession of a single chloroplast that lacks grana‐like thylakoids, which separate it from A. granifera. These morphological features, along with its highly supported molecular affinity with A. granifera, led to the conclusion that this dinoflagellate represents a new member of this genus, i.e. A. natalensis comb. nov. The phylogenetic analysis showed no support for a close relationship with members of the genus Biecheleria.
Comprehensive cross‐genome survey and phylogeny of glycoside hydrolase family 16 members reveals the evolutionary origin of EG16 and XTH proteins in plant lineages
Authors: Behar Hila , Graham Sean W. , Brumer Harry 
Published: June 2018

SummaryCarbohydrate‐active enzymes (CAZymes) are central to the biosynthesis and modification of the plant cell wall. An ancient clade of bifunctional plant endo‐glucanases (EG16 members) was recently revealed and proposed to represent a transitional group uniting plant xyloglucan endo‐transglycosylase/hydrolase (XTH) gene products and bacterial mixed‐linkage endo‐glucanases in the phylogeny of glycoside hydrolase family 16 (GH16). To gain broader insights into the distribution and frequency of EG16 and other GH16 members in plants, the PHYTOZOME, PLAZA, NCBI and 1000 PLANTS databases were mined to build a comprehensive census among 1289 species, spanning the broad phylogenetic diversity of multiple algae through recent plant lineages. EG16, newly identified EG16‐2 and XTH members appeared first in the green algae. Extant EG16 members represent the early adoption of the β‐jellyroll protein scaffold from a bacterial or early‐lineage eukaryotic GH16 gene, which is characterized by loop deletion and extension of the N terminus (in EG16‐2 members) or C terminus (in XTH members). Maximum‐likelihood phylogenetic analysis of EG16 and EG16‐2 sequences are directly concordant with contemporary estimates of plant evolution. The lack of expansion of EG16 members into multi‐gene families across green plants may point to a core metabolic role under tight control, in contrast to XTH genes that have undergone the extensive duplications typical of cell‐wall CAZymes. The present census will underpin future studies to elucidate the physiological role of EG16 members across plant species, and serve as roadmap for delineating the closely related EG16 and XTH gene products in bioinformatic analyses of emerging genomes and transcriptomes.
The prevalence of dynamic pharyngeal collapse is high in brachycephalic dogs undergoing videofluoroscopy
Authors: Pollard Rachel E. , Johnson Lynelle R. , Marks Stanley L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe aim of this retrospective study was to determine the frequency of pharyngeal collapse in a large group of brachycephalic dogs undergoing videofluoroscopic assessment of swallowing or airway diameter. We hypothesized that brachycephalic dogs would have pharyngeal collapse more frequently than dolichocephalic or mesocephalic dogs with or without airway collapse. The medical records database was searched for brachycephalic dogs undergoing videofluoroscopy of swallowing or airway diameter between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2015. A cohort of dolichocephalic/mesocephalic dogs with videofluoroscopically confirmed airway collapse was age and time matched for comparison. A control group of dolichocephalic/mesocephalic dogs that did not have documented airway collapse was also evaluated. All fluoroscopic studies were assessed by a board certified veterinary radiologist for the presence and degree of pharyngeal collapse. Results demonstrate that pharyngeal collapse was significantly more common in brachycephalic dogs (58/82; 72%) than in nonbrachycephalic dogs with (7/25; 28%) and without (2/30; 7%) airway collapse. Pharyngeal collapse is more prevalent in brachycephalic dogs undergoing videofluoroscopy than in dolichocephalic/mesocephalic dogs with or without airway collapse.
Promoting early expression of breast milk in mothers of preterm infants in a neonatal unit: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Goodchild Louise , Hussey Lee , McPhee Andrew J. , Lizarondo Lucylynn , Gillis Jennifer , Collins Carmel T. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
The aim of this implementation project was to optimize lactation success in mothers of preterm infants by ensuring early (as soon as possible and within six hours) and frequent (eight to 12 times/day) milk expression.

Introduction:
Evidence suggests that breast milk improves enteral feeding tolerance and neurodevelopmental outcomes and decreases the risk of necrotising enterocolitis and late onset sepsis in preterm infants. It is widely accepted that breast milk expression should commence as soon as possible and within six hours of delivery.

Results:
Following implementation of the breast milk expression information pack and staff education program, compliance to clinical guideline recommendations improved considerably. An increase from 5/20 (25%) to 17/20 (85%) of women expressing milk within six hours of delivery was observed. The average expression times also increased: from 2.6 (2.0) to 6.1 (2.7) times in the first 24 hours and from 4.6 (1.7) to 7.8 (1.7) times between 24–48 hours. The compliance rate for milk expression within six hours of delivery and expression of eight to 12 times daily in the first 48 hours increased from 1/20 (5%) at baseline to 10/20 (50%) in the follow-up audit.

Conclusion:
The implementation of the breast milk information pack and staff education led to improvements in the milk expression practices of mothers who had preterm infants. As a result of this project, the information packs are now routinely given to all women at risk of delivering preterm or who have babies in the neonatal unit. Further audits will be undertaken in the future to determine sustainability of practice changes.