bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The characteristics of the lobular arrangement indicate the dynamic role played by the infrapatellar fat pad in knee kinematics
Authors: Macchi Veronica , Picardi Edgardo Enrico Edoardo , Fontanella Chiara Giulia , Porzionato Andrea , Stecco Carla , Tortorella Cinzia , Favero Marta , Natali Arturo , De Caro Raffaele 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) is an intracapsular but extrasynovial structure, located between the patellar tendon, the femoral condyles and the tibial plateau. It consists of white adipose tissue, organised in lobules defined by thin connective septa. The aim of this study is the morphometric and ultrasonographic analysis of IFP in subjects without knee pathology during flexion‐extension movements. The morphometric study was conducted on 20 cadavers (15M, 5F, mean age 80.2 years). Ultrasound was performed on 24 volunteers with no history of knee diseases (5M, 19F, mean age: 45 years). The characteristics of the adipose lobules near the patellar tendon and in the deep portion of the IFP were evaluated. Numerical models were provided, according to the size of the lobules. At histological examination, the adipose lobules located near the patellar tendon were larger (mean area 12.2 mm2 ± 5.3) than those at a deeper level (mean area 1.34 mm2 ± 0.7, P < 0.001) and the thickness of the septa of the deepest adipose lobules (mean value 0.35 mm ± 0.32) was greater than that of the superficial one (mean value 0.29 mm ± 0.25, P < 0.001). At ultrasound, the IFP was seen to be composed of very large lobules in the superficial part (mean area 0.29 cm2 ± 0.17 in extension), with a significant reduction in flexion (mean area 0.12 cm2 ± 0.07, P < 0.01). The deep lobules were smaller (mean area 0.11 cm2 ± 0.08 in extension) and did not change their values (mean area 0.19 cm2 ± 0.52 in flexion, P > 0.05). In the sagittal plane, the reduction of thickness of the superficial layer (with large adipose lobules) during flexion was 20.6%, whereas that of the deep layer (with small adipose lobules) was 1.3%. Numerical simulation of vertical loads, corresponding to flexion of the knee, showed that stress mainly developed within the interlobular septa and opposed bulging of the lobules. The characteristics of the lobular arrangement of the IFP (large lobules with superficial septa in the superficial part and small lobules with thick septa in the deep one), significant changes in the areas and perimeters of the superficial lobules, and the reduced thickness of the superficial layer during flexion all indicate the dynamic role played by the IFP in knee kinematics.
Efficacy and safety of moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper‐zinc‐manganese versus 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in decreasing adverse reaction and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing: A split‐face, double‐blinded, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Lueangarun Suparuj , Srituravanit Aphinut , Tempark Therdpong 
Published: April 2019

SummaryIntroductionFractional carbon dioxide (FrCO2) laser is effective for atrophic acne scar treatment, but unavoidable downtime. Meanwhile, postoperative topical steroid decreases the downtime, yet still possibly increases other steroid side effects.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper‐zinc‐manganese (experimental cream) versus 0.02% Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) cream in decreasing adverse effects and downtime after FrCO2 laser, with wound healing improvement and prevention of certain steroid‐related side effects like postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).MethodsWe conducted a double‐blinded, split face, randomized controlled trial in 20 subjects receiving FrCO2 laser on both sides of the faces and randomly treated with two posttreatment regimens on each side for 7 days. Clinical, expert panel assessment of photography, downtime, side effects, and biometric evaluation for erythema and melanin were performed on baseline, immediately after treatment, day 3, 5, 7, 14, 30 and, 60 postoperatively.ResultsBoth experimental cream (EC) and 0.02% TA cream could significantly reduce postlaser downtime including swelling, redness, crusting, and scaling in 5‐7 days, with comparable efficacies in decreasing downtime and adverse reactions, as well as wound healing improvement and lower PIH without statistically significant difference between the two treatments. The incidence of PIH was 60% in the EC treated group with minimal intensity.ConclusionThe moisturizer with anti‐inflammatory ingredients could be a novel treatment modality for reduction of postablative laser downtime by using nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agents to avoid adverse effects and improve wound healing process with lower PIH.
Two cases of neuroangiostrongyliasis: A rare disease because rarely considered or rarely diagnosed?
Authors: Berkhout Angela , Prociv Paul , Herbert Anthony , Anthony Leslie T , Nourse Clare 
Published: April 2019

AimThe rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is well established in eastern Australia, where it is the almost exclusive cause of human eosinophilic meningoencephalitis (EME). While neuroangiostrongyliasis can result in severe morbidity or death, its diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion among medical practitioners. Prevention requires a high level of public awareness.MethodsWe report two cases of EME in children from Queensland and summarise all reported Australian cases from the literature. We discuss the pathogenesis of neuroangiostrongyliasis, with particular reference to the timing of prophylaxis and treatment.ResultsA 5‐year‐old girl developed severe headache, eosinophilic meningitis and abnormal neuroimaging following a holiday to Bali. A 10‐year‐old boy with Rubinstein‐Taybi syndrome, marked developmental delay and pica developed EME following ingestion of a snail, resulting in long‐term morbidity. From 1971 to 2018, 28 Australian cases have been reported, with acquisition restricted to Southeast Queensland and New South Wales. Ages ranged from 10 months to 45 years; most were male and most likely acquired infection from consuming unwashed lettuce or vegetables. The mortality rate was 18%; most fatalities occurred in children <1 year old. Long‐term neurological deficit was reported in 14% of cases and a full recovery in 57% of cases.ConclusionsHeightened medical and public awareness of the parasite is required to prevent infection and subsequent disease. A better understanding of the efficacy of prophylactic anthelmintic following ingestion or handling of molluscs and further studies of epidemiology of this parasite will inform and facilitate public health recommendations.
Are Bivocational Clergy Becoming the New Normal? An Analysis of the Current Population Survey, 1996–2017
Authors: Perry Samuel L. , Schleifer Cyrus 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTransitions in the American religious landscape including religious nonaffiliation, congregational and seminary enrollment declines, and the proliferation of megachurches have reshaped the clergy labor market and increased the precariousness of this type of work. One potential indication of this growing instability is the supposedly increasing number of bivocational clergy who depend on a second job to supplement their income. There are few reliable data, however, that can trace out national‐level trends of bivocational clergy. Using the Current Population Survey, this study tests whether there has been any proportional increase in bivocational clergy and to what extent such an increase has been localized to certain groups. We find that the percentage of clergy who report having a second job has not increased since 1996. However, clergy who are female, unmarried, or working in the American northeast are increasingly likely to report working a second job. These trends suggest that clergy who receive occupational advantages—due to gender or marital status—or who live in highly religious/low cost‐of‐living regions of the country may be protected from taking on a second job whereas those clergy without these advantages increasingly must depend on additional sources of income.
Can Cohort Effects Explain the Decline of Earnings for Older Workers? Evidence from France and Great Britain
Authors: Charni Kadija 
Published: April 2019

AbstractClassical literature takes cross‐sectional age‐earnings profile to describe how earnings evolve over the lifecycle. Using a cohort analysis, I argue that this interpretation of age‐earnings profile is not correct. I show that cohort effects largely explain the decline observed at older ages using a rotating panel data for France and a longitudinal panel data for Great Britain for the period 1991–2007. I find no clear evidence that earnings decline at older age, although the profiles are different between countries. Earnings rise linearly with age in France, whereas it becomes flat for older workers in Great Britain.
Application of microscale culture technologies for studying lymphatic vessel biology
Authors: Chang Chia‐Wen , Seibel Alex J. , Song Jonathan W. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractImmense progress in microscale engineering technologies has significantly expanded the capabilities of in vitro cell culture systems for reconstituting physiological microenvironments that are mediated by biomolecular gradients, fluid transport, and mechanical forces. Here, we examine the innovative approaches based on microfabricated vessels for studying lymphatic biology. To help understand the necessary design requirements for microfluidic models, we first summarize lymphatic vessel structure and function. Next, we provide an overview of the molecular and biomechanical mediators of lymphatic vessel function. Then we discuss the past achievements and new opportunities for microfluidic culture models to a broad range of applications pertaining to lymphatic vessel physiology. We emphasize the unique attributes of microfluidic systems that enable the recapitulation of multiple physicochemical cues in vitro for studying lymphatic pathophysiology. Current challenges and future outlooks of microscale technology for studying lymphatics are also discussed. Collectively, we make the assertion that further progress in the development of microscale models will continue to enrich our mechanistic understanding of lymphatic biology and physiology to help realize the promise of the lymphatic vasculature as a therapeutic target for a broad spectrum of diseases.
Pancreatic source of protease activity in the spontaneously hypertensive rat and its reduction during temporary food restriction
Authors: Chan Amy Hsueh Wen , Schmid‐Schönbein Geert W. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjective:The mechanisms underlying cell and organ dysfunctions in hypertension are uncertain. The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) has elevated levels of unchecked degrading proteases compared to the control Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rat. The extracellular proteases destroy membrane receptors leading to cell dysfunctions, including arteriolar constriction and elevated blood pressure. Our goal was to identify potential sources of the uncontrolled enzymatic activity.Methods:Zymographic and digital immunohistochemical measurements in SHR pancreas and intestine were obtained as part of the digestive system with high levels of degrading enzymes.Objective:The results showed that SHRs have significantly higher protease activity than WKY in pancreas (22.04 ± 9.01 vs 13.02 ± 3.92 casein fluorescence intensity unit; P < 0.05) and pancreatic venules (0.011 ± 0.003 vs 0.005 ± 0.003 trypsin absorbance; P < 0.05) as well as in venous blood (71.07 ± 13.92 vs 36.44 ± 16.59 casein fluorescence intensity unit; P < 0.05). The enzymatic activity is contributed by trypsin and chymotrypsin. Furthermore, a decrease of these enzyme activity levels achieved during a short‐term fasting period is associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressurein SHR (135 ± 8 mm Hg vs 124 ± 7 mm Hg; P < 0.05).Conclusions:The results suggest the pancreas of the SHR is a potential source for serine proteases leaking into the circulation and contributing to its protease activity.
Carotid artery disease in post‐stroke survivors and effects of enriched environment on stroke pathology in a mouse model of carotid artery stenosis
Authors: Hase Y. , Polvikoski T. M. , Ihara M. , Hase M. , Zafar R. , Stevenson W. , Allan L. M. , Ennaceur A. , Horsburgh K. , Gallart‐Palau X. , Sze S. K. , Kalaria R. N. 
Published: April 2019

AimsCarotid artery disease (CAD) is an important risk factor for stroke. We first evaluated CAD and stroke pathology in elderly post‐stroke survivors. To simulate CAD, we assessed long‐term consequences of bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) in mice and exposed them to environmental enrichment (EE).MethodsHistopathological methods were used to determine degrees of CAD (% area stenosis), brain infarct types, sizes and distribution in post‐stroke survivors and BCAS mice. Adult male C57BL/6J mice after BCAS or sham surgery were randomly assigned to standard housing (Std) or limited (3 h) or full‐time (Full) exposure to EE per day for 12 weeks.ResultsHigh frequencies of moderate carotid artery stenosis (51–75%) were evident in post‐stroke survivors whereas those with severe CAD (>75% stenosis) exhibited greater numbers of cortical rather than subcortical infarcts and, were at higher risk of developing dementia. BCAS in mice reduced cerebral blood flow by 52% (P < 0.01) and thickened carotid artery walls, regardless of EE duration. Remarkably, the total and cortical infarcts declined by >50% in BCAS mice exposed to EE compared with BCAS‐Std (P < 0.01). Frontal lobe and cortical strokes were associated with worsening working memory tested in a radial maze paradigm. Proteomic analysis revealed EE, both BCAS‐3 h and BCAS‐Full attenuated coagulation cascade factors including fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor, markers of blood–brain barrier damage.ConclusionSmall cortical and subcortical infarcts were evident in both post‐stroke survivors with CAD and BCAS mice. Experimental evidence suggested that moderate exposure to EE is sufficient to reduce subsequent stroke lesions.
Darwinizing debunking arguments
Authors: Davies Paul Sheldon 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTo ‘Darwinize’ a debunking argument is to broaden and thereby strengthen it in ways inspired by Charles Darwin. It is to employ Darwinian strategies that converge on the conclusion that certain putative phenomena – the reality of stance‐independent moral properties, for instance – are illusory or epistemically problematic for animals like us. The aim of this essay is to defend one such strategy and illustrate its power relative to most evolutionary debunking arguments currently on offer.
Implementation of a script for predonation interviews: impact on human immunodeficiency virus risk in South African blood donors
Authors: Mitchel Josephine , Custer Brian , Kaidarova Zhanna , Murphy Edward L. , van den Berg Karin ,   Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study‐III (REDS‐III) South Africa Program
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUNDThe way in which the donor history questionnaire is conducted plays a crucial role in the self‐disclosure of behavioral risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection by prospective donors. The South African National Blood Service changed its policy on the process of donor assessment in May 2015 by implementing a compulsory interviewer script used to assess donor eligibility.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA pre‐ and postevaluation study to determine the impact of scripted interviews on high‐risk deferrals and recently acquired HIV infections. We used historical data to compare 18 months before and after the implementation of the script.RESULTSWe recorded a total of 3,169,656 donor presentations during the two 18‐months periods, of which 52.2% (1,655,352) were made during the scripted period. A multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for donor and demographic characteristics found the odds of high‐risk deferral to be slightly greater (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05‐1.07) during the scripted period. A separate multivariate logistic regression model, also adjusting for donor and demographic characteristics, showed that the odds of recently acquired HIV infection were significantly lower (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79‐0.97) during the scripted period.CONCLUSIONThis study showed that implementation of a scripted interview was associated with increased HIV risk deferral and decreased recent HIV infection. This study indicates potential improvement in blood safety with the implementation of a scripted donor interview and has relevance to blood safety in other sub‐Saharan African countries.
Acute ataxia in paediatric emergency departments: a multicentre Italian study
Authors: Garone Giacomo , Reale Antonino , Vanacore Nicola , Parisi Pasquale , Bondone Claudia , Suppiej Agnese , Brisca Giacomo , Calistri Lucia , Cordelli Duccio Maria , Savasta Salvatore , Grosso Salvatore , Midulla Fabio , Falsaperla Raffaele , Verrotti Alberto , Bozzola Elena , Vassia Cristina , Da Dalt Liviana , Maggiore Rosario , Masi Stefano , Maltoni Lucia , Foiadelli Thomas , Rossetti Annalisa , Greco Carla , Marino Silvia , Di Paolantonio Claudia , Papetti Laura , Urbino Antonio Francesco , Rossi Rossella , Raucci Umberto 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesTo evaluate the causes and management of acute ataxia (AA) in the paediatric emergency setting and to identify clinical features predictive of an underlying clinically urgent neurological pathology (CUNP).Study designThis is a retrospective medical chart analysis of children (1–18 years) attending to 11 paediatric emergency departments (EDs) for AA in an 8-year period. A logistic regression model was applied to identify clinical risk factors for CUNP.Results509 patients (mean age 5.8 years) were included (0.021% of all ED attendances). The most common cause of AA was acute postinfectious cerebellar ataxia (APCA, 33.6%). Brain tumours were the second most common cause (11.2%), followed by migraine-related disorders (9%). Nine out of the 14 variables tested showed an OR >1. Among them, meningeal and focal neurological signs, hyporeflexia and ophthalmoplegia were significantly associated with a higher risk of CUNP (OR=3–7.7, p<0.05). Similarly, the odds of an underlying CUNP were increased by 51% by each day from onset of ataxia (OR=1.5, CI 1.1 to 1.2). Conversely, a history of varicella-zoster virus infection and vertigo resulted in a significantly lower risk of CUNP (OR=0.1 and OR=0.5, respectively; p<0.05).ConclusionsThe most frequent cause of AA is APCA, but CUNPs account for over a third of cases. Focal and meningeal signs, hyporeflexia and ophthalmoplegia, as well as longer duration of symptoms, are the most consistent ‘red flags’ of a severe underlying pathology. Other features with less robust association with CUNP, such as seizures or consciousness impairment, should be seriously taken into account during AA evaluation.
Comparison of anterior capsulotomy techniques: continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis, femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy and selective laser capsulotomy
Authors: Daya Sheraz , Chee Soon-Phaik , Ti Seng-Ei , Packard Richard , Mordaunt David H 
Published: April 2019

PurposeTo compare the anterior capsulotomy edge tear strength created by manual continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC), femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy (FLACS), and selective laser capsulotomy (SLC).SettingSingapore National Eye Centre, Singapore and Excel-Lens, Livermore, California, USA.DesignThree armed study in paired human eyes.MethodsCapsulotomies were performed in 60 cadaver eyes of 30 donors using CCC, Victus Femtosecond Laser, (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, New York, USA) or CAPSULaser, (Excel-Lens, Los Gatos, California, USA). Three pairwise study groups each involved 10 pairs of eyes. Study group 1: SLC eyes compared with fellow eyes with CCC. Study group 2: CCC eyes compared with fellow eyes with FLACS. Study group 3: FLACS eyes compared with fellow eyes with SLC.A shoe-tree method was used to apply load to the capsulotomy edge, and Instron tensile stress instrument measured distension and threshold load applied to initiate capsule fracture. Relative fracture strengths and distension of CCC, FLACS and SLC were determined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of capsule edges were reviewedResultsAnterior capsulotomies behave as non-linear elastic (elastomeric) systems when exposed to an external load. The pairwise study demonstrated that the SLC fracture strength was superior to that of CCC by a factor of 1.46-fold with SLC 277±38 mN versus CCC with 190±37 mN. Furthermore, CCC fracture strength was superior to that of FLACS by a factor of 1.28-fold with CCC 186 + 37 mN versus FLACS 145 ± 35 mN (p < 0.001). This was determined by statistical analysis utilising the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test and in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines. The capsule edge of SLC on SEM demonstrated a rolled over edge anteriorly and an alteration of collagen.ConclusionsThe strength of the capsulotomy edge for SLC was significantly stronger than that of CCC which and both were significantly stronger than FLACS. The relative strengths can be explained by SEM of each type of capsulotomy.
Alcohol and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Matsushita Hiroshi , Takaki Akinobu 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundAlcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer because it induces hepatocellular carcinoma (among other cancers) in humans. An excessive alcohol intake may result in fatty liver, acute/chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis and eventually lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. It has been reported that alcohol abuse increases the relative risk of hepatocellular carcinoma by 3- to 10-fold.Aim and MethodsTo clarify the known mechanisms of alcohol-related carcinogenesis, we searched Pubmed using the terms alcohol and immune mechanism, alcohol and cancer, and immune mechanism and cancer and summarized the articles as a qualitative review.ResultsFrom a clinical perspective, it is well known that alcohol interacts with other factors, such as smoking, viral hepatitis, and diabetes, leading to an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. There are several possible mechanisms through which alcohol may induce liver carcinogenicity, including the mutagenic effects of acetaldehyde and the production of ROS due to the excessive hepatic deposition of iron. Furthermore, it has been reported that alcohol accelerates hepatitis C virus-induced liver tumorigenesis through TLR4 signaling. Despite intense investigations to elucidate the mechanisms, they remain poorly understood.ConclusionThis review summarizes the recent findings of clinical and pathological studies that have investigated the carcinogenic effects of alcohol in the liver.