bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Appearance‐based vs health‐based sun protective messages: A randomized, double‐blind controlled study
Authors: Cheng Judy , Widjajahakim Rafael , Rajanala Susruthi , B. C. Maymone Mayra , Secemsky Eric , Vashi Neelam A. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryBackgroundAppearance‐based messages have shown promise in improving sun protection habits among Caucasians but have scarcely been investigated in Hispanic populations.ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of appearance‐based vs health‐based messages in an ethnic patient population, where hyperpigmentation disorders are prevalent and often cosmetically concerning.MethodsOne hundred thirty‐seven patients were randomized to receive images of (a) skin cancer, (b) hyperpigmentation, or (c) wrinkles. Analysis of variance tests for repeated measures were used to estimate the effects of the different stimuli on participants’ knowledge and intention to sun protect.ResultsAppearance‐based interventions were more effective in improving intentions to sun protect among both Hispanics and non‐Hispanic Whites (P < 0.05). They were furthermore more effective among younger patient populations (≤40 years old) and patients who thought that a tanned appearance is attractive (P < 0.05).ConclusionsAppearance‐based photos of sun damage were more effective than health‐based messages among Hispanics, younger patient populations, and those who find tanned appearances to be attractive.
Ectopic pregnancy following oral levonorgestrel emergency contraception use
Authors: Kitani Yohei , Ishiguro Tatsuya , Kobayashi Akiko , Tamura Ryo , Ueda Haruka , Adachi Sosuke , Nishikawa Nobumichi , Sekine Masayuki , Enomoto Takayuki 
Published: September 2018

AbstractLevonorgestrel is used worldwide as an emergency oral contraceptive. There have been occasional reports of ectopic pregnancy after oral levonorgestrel use. We present a case of ectopic tubal pregnancy after the use of oral levonorgestrel as an emergency contraceptive in a 37‐year‐old woman with a history of treatment for Chlamydia trachomatis infection. She conceived after sexual intercourse on menstrual day 14 of the first menstrual cycle following a normal delivery. After salpingectomy for this right tubal pregnancy, her following pregnancy was an ectopic pregnancy in the contralateral tube, which was treated with laparoscopic salpingectomy. Histopathological examination revealed endometriosis. We should be aware of ectopic pregnancy even after emergency contraceptive use, especially in patients with risk factors, such as Chlamydia infection and endometriosis. Because the efficacy of levonorgestrel decreases after ovulation, we should check the stage of the cycle before prescription.
Chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging of soya bean leaflets infected by Corynespora cassiicola
Authors: Fortunato Alessandro A. , Debona Daniel , Aucique‐Pérez Carlos E. , Fialho Corrêa Emerson , Rodrigues Fabrício A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractConsidering the importance of target spot, caused by Corynespora cassiicola, to impact soya bean yield, this study investigated the C. cassiicola‐induced perturbations in the photosynthesis of soya bean plants from cultivars Fundacep 59 (moderately resistant) and TMG 132 (susceptible) by examining the chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence parameters and imaging and the photosynthetic pigment pools. The area under disease progress curve decreased by 38% for plants from cultivar Fundacep 59 in comparison with plants from cultivar TMG 132. The concentration of total Chla+b significantly increased by 16% and the Chla+b/carotenoids ratio significantly decreased by 11% for plants from cultivar Fundacep 59 in comparison with plants from cultivar TMG 132. Significant decreases of 31% and 8%, respectively, for the concentration of Chla+b and the Chla+b/carotenoids ratio occurred for inoculated plants in comparison with noninoculated ones regardless of the cultivar. As target spot developed, the values of maximal photosystem II quantum yield (Fv/Fm), effective photosystem II quantum yield [Y(II)], quantum yield of regulated energy dissipation [Y(NPQ)] and quantum yield of nonregulated energy dissipation [Y(NO)] increased, especially for plants from cultivar TMG 132. There were positive correlations of area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) with both Y(NPQ) and Y(NO) regardless of the cultivar. For cultivar TMG 132, the correlation between AUDPC and the electron transport rate was negative. Based on the analysis of the Chl a fluorescence, it was possible to elucidate the enormous potential of target spot to impair the functionality on the photosynthetic apparatus that may help the plants to invest in metabolic pathways involved in host defence responses.
Effects of forage source and particle size on feed sorting, milk production and nutrient digestibility in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Jiang Fugui , Lin Xueyan , Yan Zhengui , Hu Zhiyong , Wang Yun , Wang Zhonghua 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to determine the effects of forage source (quality) and particle size on feed sorting, milk production and nutrient digestibility in lactating dairy cows. Twelve multiparous lactating Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square experiment with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatments were as follows: (a) feeding long oaten hay (OL), (b) feeding short oaten hay (OS), (c) feeding long wild‐rye hay (WL) and (d) feeding short wild‐rye hay (WS). The sorting activity of cows fed wild‐rye hay diets was greater than that of cows fed oaten hay diets. Sorting activity decreased with reduced forage particle size (FPS) for wild‐rye hay diets but was not affected for oaten hay diets. Cows fed oaten hay diets had a similar dry matter intake (DMI), but higher total tract nutrient digestibility, and hence higher milk yield than cows fed wild‐rye hay diets. The increase in DMI as a result of reduced FPS was significant in cows fed wild‐rye hay diets. Feed efficiency (4% fat‐corrected milk (FCM)/DMI) decreased from 1.18 to 1.11 when FPS decreased, but was not affected by the forage source. The digestibility of DM, crude protein (CP) and organic matter (OM) in the total tract was decreased by a reduction in FPS for wild‐rye hay diets, but was not affected for oaten hay diets. In conclusion, cows fed high‐quality forage (oaten hay) had a lower sorting activity and higher production performance than those fed poor‐quality forage (wild‐rye hay). The optimal dietary FPS in lactating dairy cows should take the effect of forage source into account.
On the Sensitivity of Granger Causality to Errors‐In‐Variables, Linear Transformations and Subsampling
Authors: Anderson Brian D.O. , Deistler Manfred , Dufour Jean‐Marie 
Published: September 2018

This article studies the sensitivity of Granger causality to the addition of noise, the introduction of subsampling, and the application of causal invertible filters to weakly stationary processes. Using canonical spectral factors and Wold decompositions, we give general conditions under which additive noise or filtering distorts Granger‐causal properties by inducing (spurious) Granger causality, as well as conditions under which it does not. For the errors‐in‐variables case, we give a continuity result, which implies that: a ‘small’ noise‐to‐signal ratio entails ‘small’ distortions in Granger causality. On filtering, we give general necessary and sufficient conditions under which ‘spurious’ causal relations between (vector) time series are not induced by linear transformations of the variables involved. This also yields transformations (or filters) which can eliminate Granger causality from one vector to another one. In a number of cases, we clarify results in the existing literature, with a number of calculations streamlining some existing approaches.
Outcomes after placement of a SX‐ELLA oesophageal stent for refractory variceal bleeding—A national multicentre study
Authors: Pfisterer Nikolaus , Riedl Florian , Pachofszky Thomas , Gschwantler Michael , König Kurt , Schuster Benjamin , Mandorfer Mattias , Gessl Irina , Illiasch Constanze , Fuchs Eva‐Maria , Unger Lukas , Dolak Werner , Maieron Andreas , Kramer Ludwig , Madl Christian , Trauner Michael , Reiberger Thomas 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundCurrent guidelines favour the use of bleeding stents over balloon tamponade (BT) for refractory variceal bleeding (VB) from oesophageal varices. However, data on the efficacy and safety of self‐expandable metal SX‐ELLA Danis stents (SEMS) are limited.MethodsCirrhotic patients receiving SEMS for VB at four tertiary care centres were included in this retrospective multicentre study. Rates of failure‐to‐control bleeding (within 5 days) and bleeding‐related mortality (6 weeks) were assessed.ResultsSEMS controlled VB in 79.4% (27/34) of patients. In the rest of patients, other rescue treatments including endoscopic band ligation (EBL, n = 3), SEMS renewed (n = 2) or Linton (n = 2) were applied; however, VB was only controlled in one patient. Early rebleeding within six weeks occurred in 17.6% (6/34) patients. Median SEMS dwell time was three (IQR:6) days. Overall n = 13/34 (38.2%) patients died with SEMS in situ. After SEMS removal, rebleeding and bleeding‐related death occurred in n = 7 (35%) and n = 5 (14.7%) patients respectively. Only 32.4% (10/34) patients did not experience any rebleeding within six weeks after SEMS removal. Bleeding‐related mortality was 47.1% (n = 16/34) and the median survival after SEMS placement was 2.1 months. Notably, no patient received an early transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). The most common adverse events were stent dislocations (n = 13; 38.2%), while ulcers/necrosis of the oesophageal mucosa was seen in only four (11.8%) patients.ConclusionSEMS controlled refractory VB in most patients. However, bleeding‐related mortality remained high. While SEMS dislocations were frequent, ulcers/necrosis of the oesophagus was rare. Further studies should investigate whether the wider use of early TIPS reduces bleeding‐related mortality after SEMS placement.
Hepatic fat as clinical outcome and therapeutic target for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Pelusi Serena , Valenti Luca 
Published: September 2018

AbstractNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly becoming the leading cause of advanced liver disease in Western countries. NAFLD is defined in the presence of increased hepatic fat content, which is mainly stored under the form of neutral lipids within intracellular droplets and is not explained by at risk alcohol intake. In order to understand the pathogenesis, monitor the progression and find novel treatments for this condition, previous research efforts mainly addressed the role of inflammation. However, very recent data seem to suggest that hepatic lipid accumulation may be involved in NAFLD pathogenesis by driving secondary inflammation and fibrosis progression. Here, we will briefly review the novel results derived from natural history, genetics, imaging studies and therapeutic trials that support the notion that hepatic fat accumulation may represent a major clinical outcome and therapeutic target for NAFLD. Indeed, prospective and genetic data are consistent with hepatic fat being a driver of NAFLD progression. Furthermore, new technologies will render possible to monitor hepatic fat content without the need of invasive assessment, thereby allowing to identify patients at higher risk, and to monitor the response to drugs that act by decreasing hepatic lipid accumulation.
Stress–strain analysis of duodenal contractility in response to flow and ramp distension in rabbits fed low‐fiber diet
Authors: Liu Yue , Zhao Jingbo , Liao Donghua , Wang Guixue , Gregersen Hans 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundPreviously we demonstrated that low‐fiber diet in rabbits affects the passive mechanomorphological properties in the small intestine, resulting in reduced intestinal wall thickness and collagen content, as well as intestinal wall softening. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the contractility in rabbits on long‐term low‐fiber diet and specifically to compare the contraction threshold, the frequency, and the amplitude of flow‐induced and distension‐induced contractions in the duodenum between rabbits on normal diet and on long‐term low‐fiber diet.MethodsTen rabbits were fed a low‐fiber diet for 5 months (Intervention group), and five rabbits were fed normal diet (Control group). The duodenal segments were used for determination of mechanical parameters for analyses of contractility. The duodenal experiments were carried out in organ baths containing physiological Krebs solution. Pressure and diameter changes induced by contractions in response to flow and ramp distension were measured. The frequencies and amplitude of contractions were analyzed. Distension‐induced contraction thresholds and maximum contraction amplitude of flow‐induced contractions were calculated in terms of mechanical stress and strain. Multiple linear regression analyses were applied to study dependencies between contractility parameters and wall thickness, wall area, and muscle layer thickness.Key resultsDuring distension, the pressure, stress, and strain thresholds for induction of phasic contraction were biggest in the Intervention Group (P < 0.05). In addition, the contraction frequencies during flow‐induced contraction were highest in the Intervention Group (P < 0.05), whereas the maximum contraction amplitudes in terms of pressure, diameter, stress, and strain were lowest in the Intervention Group (P < 0.05). The contraction thresholds and contraction frequencies were negatively associated with the wall thickness, wall area, and muscle layer thickness, whereas maximum contraction amplitudes were positively associated with the wall thickness, wall area, and muscle layer thickness.Conclusions and inferencesDuodenal contractility in rabbits fed with long‐term low‐fiber diet exhibited low contraction amplitudes and high contraction thresholds and frequencies. The changes were associated with the low‐fiber diet‐induced histomorphological remodeling. Studies on detailed structural and functional diet‐induced changes in smooth muscle and intestinal nerves are needed for better understanding the remodeling mechanisms.
Patients diagnosed with long QT syndrome after repair of congenital heart disease
Authors: Song Mi Kyoung , Bae Eun Jung , Kim Gi Beom , An Hyo Soon , Ahn Kyung Jin , Seong Moon‐Woo , Park Sung Sup 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundPatients with repaired congenital heart disease (CHD) can have both depolarization and repolarization abnormalities. A coexisting long QT syndrome (LQTS) may cause electrical instability in these patients; however, diagnosing LQTS is difficult owing to intraventricular conduction delay or paced rhythm after the operation. We report on six patients diagnosed with LQTS after CHD repair.MethodsWe investigated two male and four female patients. Clinical data, electrocardiographic findings, and genetic analysis results were reviewed.ResultsThe range of patient age at LQTS diagnosis was 1.4‐22 years. There were two patients with tetralogy of Fallot, four with septal defect, and one with tricuspid atresia. All patients underwent total correction or a staged operation, without events. The diagnosis of LQTS was made in four asymptomatic patients and two symptomatic patients with recurrent syncope and ventricular fibrillation. During the postoperative follow‐up, their median QTc interval and QTc dispersion increased (from 474 and 41 ms preoperatively to 541 and 141 ms postoperatively, respectively; P = 0.043). T‐wave notching over three leads was observed in three patients. Genetic analysis showed SCN5A mutation in one, KCNH2 mutation in three, KCNQ1 mutation in one, and no identified mutation in one patient. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator was placed in two patients.ConclusionA coexisting LQTS may confer additional risk for arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death in patients with CHD. Suspicion of LQTS and careful monitoring of the QT interval and T‐wave morphology are important during the follow‐up of patients with repaired CHD.
Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Mucor indicus in a pediatric bone marrow transplant recipient
Authors: Bloch Deborah , Gonzalez Mark D. , Haight Ann , Abramowsky Carlos , Yildirim Inci 
Published: September 2018

AbstractNecrotizing fasciitis is a life‐threatening, rapidly progressing infection of fascia and subcutaneous cellular tissue typically caused by mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. We present a case report of an immunocompromised 4‐year‐old female with necrotizing fasciitis from a rare fungal organism, Mucor indicus. The patient underwent multiple debridements and was treated for 10 months, first on liposomal amphotericin B (2 months) then posaconazole (8 months). Mucor indicus is a rarely described pathogen with only nine other cases described. Identification of this organism remains a challenge, and the need for further understanding of risk factors and organism susceptibility testing to help guide treatment is crucial.
Protective Effect of Baicalin Against TLR4‐mediated UVA‐induced Skin Inflammation
Authors: Sherwani Mohammad Asif , Yang Kevin , Jani Aditi , Abed Reham A. , Taufique Abdul Karim , Dosunmu Tolulope Gid , Yusuf Nabiha 
Published: September 2018

AbstractUVA irradiation is known to cause photoaging via production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of inflammatory processes. Previously, we have demonstrated that baicalin, a plant‐derived flavonoid possessing both antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity, protects mouse keratinocytes against damage from UVB irradiation. However, the role of baicalin in vivo has not been well studied, particularly in the setting of UVA irradiation. To explore the protective effects and mechanisms of baicalin treatment in mice after UVA irradiation, mice were exposed to acute and chronic doses of UVA irradiation with or without baicalin or vehicle. Skin samples were collected for histological staining, RNA isolation, flow cytometry and protein extraction. Our results demonstrate the protective effect of baicalin against UVA‐induced oxidative damage and inflammation in mouse skin. These effects are likely mediated via the TLR4 pathway, which may serve as a target for photochemoprevention against skin inflammation.
Gene and protein expression in the reproductive tract of Brazilian Somalis rams
Authors: Bezerra Maria Júlia B. , Silva Mariana B. , Lobo Carlos H. , Vasconcelos Fábio R. , Lobo Marina D. , Monteiro‐Moreira Ana Cristina O. , Moreira Renato A. , Machado‐Neves Mariana , Figueiredo José R. , Moura Arlindo A. 
Published: September 2018

ContentsBrazilian Somalis is a locally‐adapted breed of rams raised in tropical climate and native pastures. The present study was conducted to evaluate gene expression and proteome of the reproductive tract of such rams. Samples were collected from testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles and bulbourethral glands of four rams. Expression of clusterin (CLU), osteopontin (OPN) and prostaglandin D2 synthase (PGDS) genes were evaluated in all samples by real‐time PCR. Shotgun proteomic analysis was performed using samples from the head, corpus and cauda epididymides and from all other structures as well. Gene ontology terms and protein interactions were obtained from UniProtKB databases and MetaCore v.6.8 platform. CLU trasncripts were detected in the testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles and bulbourethral glands of the Somalis rams. The initial region and body of the epididymis had the greatest CLU expression. OPN mRNA was localized in all tissues of the ram reproductive tract. PGDS mRNA was detected in the testes and epididymides. Lable‐free mass spectrometry allowed the identification of 137 proteins in all samples. Proteins of the epididymis head mainly participate in cellular processes and response to stimulus, participating in catalityc activity and binding. Proteins of epididymis body acted as regulatory proteins and in cellular processes, with binding and catalytic activity. Cauda epididymis molecules were associated with cellular processes and regulation, with binding function and catalytic activity as well. Testis proteins were mainly linked to cell processes and response to stimuli, and had catalytic function. Seminal vesicle proteins were involved in regulation and mainly with binding functions. Most bulbourethral gland proteins participated in cellular processes. The present study is the first to evaluate the proteome and gene expressions in the reproductive tract of Brazilian Somalis rams. Such pieces of information bring significant cointribution for the understanding of the reproductive physiology of locally‐adapted livestock.
The heritability of pampiniform plexus vessel size and varicocoele in boars
Authors: Gruhot Tasha R. , Rempel Lea A. , Spangler Matthew L. , Kachman Stephen D. , Mote Benny E. 
Published: September 2018

ContentsUltrasonography was used to capture a coronal–sagittal image of the veins of the pampiniform plexus (PP) and the testicular artery of 327 maternal‐line boars at approximately 6 months of age at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln. Varicocoele was diagnosed by two methods. Method 1 diagnosed varicocoele when the average vessel area on one side of the scrotum was 1.5 times larger than the average vessel area on the other side of the scrotum. Method 2 diagnosed varicocoele when the average vessel area on one side of the scrotum of a boar was 1.5 times larger than the average vessel on the same side of the scrotum of the boar's cohorts (same population and year). Varicocoele was diagnosed in 23.17% and 15.1% of boars measured using method 1 and method 2, respectively. Ultrasonography showed to be an effective means to measure PP vessel size in boars and may even allow for earlier detection of varicocoele than by using palpation. Animal models were employed to estimate the heritability for: average area of right PP vessels (0.52), average area of the left PP vessels (0.46), varicocoele presence using method 1 (0.26) and varicocoele presence using method 2 (0.25). These heritability estimates suggest that vessel size and varicocoele could be selected against in breeding programmes to potentially improve boar semen quality.
Noninvasive measurements of ovarian activity in Beira antelope (Dorcatragus megalotis)
Authors: Wolf Tanja E. , Arif Abdi , Bennett Nigel C. , Ganswindt André 
Published: September 2018

ContentsAs the natural habitat of more and more species becomes depleted, captive breeding programmes have become established to bring species back from the brink of extinction. Monitoring the reproductive status of an individual is essential in order to improve breeding success. Traditional methods have involved stressful blood sampling, and thus noninvasive methods have been proven to be reliable alternatives for monitoring reproductive function in both captive and free‐ranging animals. Subsequently, noninvasive methods have become an invaluable tool in longitudinal studies and conservation efforts, as animals can be observed without, or minimal human contact. The Beira antelope is a small antelope endemic to the northern part of the Horn of Africa. Population numbers of the Beira have been declining over the last few decades due to habitat fragmentation. We show here that the reproductive cycle of female Beira antelopes can be monitored noninvasively, by using faecal samples to analyse oestrogen (fEM) as well as progestagen (fPM) metabolites. The profiles of fPM and fEM of both females showed regular cyclic patterns in which the follicular and luteal phases could be distinguished. The overall mean cycle length is 22 days (range: 21–25 days), with a mean length of the follicular phase of 6 days (range: 4–7 days) and a mean length for the luteal phase being 15 days (range: 12–16 days). The suitability of these noninvasive techniques should assist in optimizing breeding efforts of this endemic small antelope in captivity. Being noninvasive, this method could also be a useful tool for monitoring reproductive function in the dwindling wild populations.