bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Evaluation of Homoeopathic Medicines in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Gupta Neeraj , Singh Rahul , Saxena R.K. 
Published: June 2019

Background Symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in elderly men and has a significant impact on their daily lives. Surgical procedures are currently used for the conventional treatment for BPH; but they have been associated with clinically significant adverse effects in patients.
Objectives The main purpose of this article is to evaluate the role of homoeopathic medicines for the treatment of BPH.
Materials and Methods Clinically diagnosed 30 subjects of BPH were given homoeopathy treatment and followed up for a period of 1 year. Homoeopathic medicines were prescribed to the subjects according to the principles of homoeopathy. Effects of homoeopathic medicines were analysed periodically by American Urological Association score (AUA score) and ultrasonography.
Results Marked amelioration of symptoms and reduction in size of prostate gland in BPH subjects were observed after homoeopathic treatment when analysed by AUA score and ultrasonography. There was marked reduction in various symptoms of BPH like nocturia, straining, incomplete sensation after urination, interrupted flow of urination with dribbling of urine and urgency significantly from 21.60 ± 4.64 units to 12.23 ± 3.68, that is, ∼57% reduction in symptoms of obstruction of bladder problem. The reduction was statistically significant (p = 0.001). However, transabdominal pelvic ultrasonic scan did not show statistically significant results.
Conclusion Homoeopathic medicines can prove to be an alternative treatment of BPH.
Acute effects of kinesio taping on muscular strength and endurance parameters of the finger flexors in sport climbing: A randomised, controlled crossover trial
Authors: Limmer Mirjam , Buck Susanne , de Marées Markus , Roth Ralf 
Published: June 2019

AbstractKinesio taping (KT) is a commonly used intervention in sports and, recently, KT has become popular among athletes competing in sport climbing and bouldering events. However, evidence on the effect of KT on grip strength and endurance is still controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate immediate effects of KT on muscular strength and endurance of the finger flexor muscles in sport climbers. Twenty recreationally‐trained active sport climbers (10 men, 10 women) aged 28.5 ± 10.6 years performed one familiarisation trial and subsequently, in a randomised crossover design, two test trials either with (TAPE) or without (CONTROL) KT over the finger flexor muscles. Test trials consisted of three performance measurements (hand grip strength and endurance, finger hang, and lap climbing) at intervals of 48 h in a randomised order. We observed no significant differences in the parameters of hand grip peak force, fatigue index, finger hang time, lap climbing distance and time, or maximum blood lactate values after lap climbing between the TAPE and CONTROL trials (p > 0.05). The participants’ climbing ability was significantly correlated with the intra‐individual performance changes between the TAPE and CONTROL conditions for the fatigue index (r = −0.598, p = 0.005), but not in any of the other performance‐related parameters. Therefore, KT over the finger flexor muscles neither enhanced hand grip strength and endurance nor the sport climbing performance parameters of finger hang, lap climbing distance and time, and maximum blood lactate values after lap climbing.
Postural stability
Authors: Ibrahim Iman , da Silva Sabrina Daniela , Segal Bernard , Zeitouni Anthony 
Published: June 2019

Purpose:
Dizziness is the most common complaint of patients over 65 years consulting a physician. Presbyacusis affects 65% of Canadians aging 70–79. The inner ear is responsible for both hearing and postural stability. However, the interactions between auditory information and the maintenance of postural balance have not been widely studied. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the effect of auditory input on postural stability for normal hearing subjects versus hearing-aid users.

Methods:
The effect of auditory input on postural stability was assessed with and without earplugs in normal subjects, and in adult hearing users with and without hearing aids. Balance tests (Romberg on foam and Tandem stance) were performed in the presence of a point-source of noise in both groups.

Results:
Normal individuals’ balance performance was not affected by the absence of auditory input. However, hearing aid users had significantly better balance with hearing aids on for the Romberg test (v = 36, p = .014), and for the Tandem test (v = 44, p = .012).

Conclusion:
Auditory input does not seem to have an effect on postural stability in normal hearing individuals. However, hearing aid users had a significant improvement in the presence of an auditory input.
A qualitative exploration of the experiences of community dwelling older adults with sensory impairment/s receiving polypharmacy on their pharmaceutical care journey
Authors: Smith Annetta , Macaden Leah , Kroll Thilo , Alhusein Nour , Taylor Andrea , Killick Kirsty , Stoddart Kathleen , Watson Margaret 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundMost developed countries have increasing numbers of community dwelling older people with both multi-morbidity and sensory impairment that includes visual, hearing or dual impairment. Older people with sensory impairment are more likely to have chronic health conditions and to be in receipt of polypharmacy (>4 medicines). It is important to understand their experience of pharmaceutical care provision to facilitate a safe, appropriate and person centred approach.Aimthis study explored the pharmaceutical care experiences and perspectives of older people with sensory impairment receiving polypharmacy.Design and settingexploratory qualitative study with semi-structured telephone or face-to-face interviews with community dwelling older adults with sensory impairment receiving polypharmacy in Scotland in 2016.Methodsin total, 23 interviews were conducted with older people from seven of the 14 Scottish Health Board areas.Subjectsover half the participants (n = 12) had dual sensory impairment, six had visual impairment and five had hearing impairment.Resultsthree overarching themes were identified reflecting different stages of participants’ pharmaceutical care journey: ordering and collection of prescriptions; medicine storage; and administration. At each stage of their journey, participants identified barriers and facilitators associated with their pharmaceutical care.Conclusionsthis is the first comprehensive, in-depth exploration of the pharmaceutical care journey needs of older people with sensory impairment. As the number of community dwelling older people with sensory impairment and polypharmacy increases there is a requirement to identify challenges experienced by this population and offer solutions for safe and effective pharmaceutical care provision.
Decreased vigilance or habituation to humans? Mechanisms on increased boldness in urban animals
Authors: Uchida Kenta , Suzuki Kei K , Shimamoto Tatsuki , Yanagawa Hisashi , Koizumi Itsuro 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIncreased boldness is one of the most prevalent behavioral modifications seen in urban animals and is thought to be a coping response to anthropogenic environmental alterations. Most previous studies have shown enhanced boldness manifested as changes in responses to humans approaching, such as reductions in flight initiation distance (FID). However, this includes two confounding factors related to “boldness,” that is, reduction of vigilance and habituation to humans. Confounding these totally different processes could lead to our misunderstanding of urban adaptation and how to properly manage urban wildlife. Here, we propose a simple framework to separate the two processes using two flight distance measures toward different approaching threats. We considered that the distance at which targeted individuals noticed an approaching object (i.e., alert distance, AD) was related to vigilance, whereas FID represented risk assessment, which is related to habituation. We applied a predictive framework using AD and FID to Eurasian red squirrels’ responses to multiple threats of different risk levels (i.e., humans, model predators, and novel objects). AD was shorter in urban individuals compared with rural ones but not different among the approaching objects. FID was shorter in urban individuals and also varied among the objects with the shortest FID toward humans, whereas rural individuals showed similar FID to the different objects. These results suggest that, although urban individuals showed reduced vigilance, they could still assess different risk levels. Our framework can easily be applied to many animals and could significantly improve our understanding of wild animals’ adaptations to urban environments.
The historical distribution of megaherbivores does not determine the distribution of megafaunal fruit in southern Africa
Authors: Bunney Katherine , Robertson Mark , Bond William 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Large specialized fruit (megafaunal fruit) have evolved alongside megaherbivores to take advantage of their unparalleled seed dispersal service. Megaherbivores were widespread and abundant in the Pleistocene but due to multiple extinction events have been extirpated from all continents except Africa and small pockets of South East Asia. In Africa, we are in the unique position of being able to study megafaunal fruits where there are still areas with a largely intact megaherbivore community. The megafaunal fruits of the African forests have been examined but those of the African savannas have been largely overlooked. We use an operational definition of megafaunal fruit developed in the Neotropics to identify megafaunal fruit in the South African tree flora. Thirty-one species were identified as megafaunal fruit-bearers, representing only 3% of the tree flora. Megafaunal tree species are well represented in the families Mimosoideae, Arecaceae, Strychnaceae and Caesalpinoideae. We explored the factors underlying the distribution of these megafaunal tree species. We found that the historical distribution of megaherbivores in South Africa does not explain the distribution of these fruit. Megaherbivores have historically been found throughout South Africa while megafaunal fruit tree species occur almost exclusively in the northern tropical reaches of the country. Abiotic factors such as precipitation and temperature appear to best explain the distribution of megafaunal fruit species in the region. We conclude that megafaunal fruit are a tropical phenomenon and their tropical origins now limit their distribution.
Nonsense mutations in alpha-II spectrin in three families with juvenile onset hereditary motor neuropathy
Authors: Beijer Danique , Deconinck Tine , De Bleecker Jan L , Dotti Maria Teresa , Malandrini Alessandro , Urtizberea J Andoni , Zulaica Miren , López de Munain Adolfo , Asselbergh Bob , De Jonghe Peter , Baets Jonathan 
Published: June 2019

AbstractDistal hereditary motor neuropathies are a rare subgroup of inherited peripheral neuropathies hallmarked by a length-dependent axonal degeneration of lower motor neurons without significant involvement of sensory neurons. We identified patients with heterozygous nonsense mutations in the αII-spectrin gene, SPTAN1, in three separate dominant hereditary motor neuropathy families via next-generation sequencing. Variable penetrance was noted for these mutations in two of three families, and phenotype severity differs greatly between patients. The mutant mRNA containing nonsense mutations is broken down by nonsense-mediated decay and leads to reduced protein levels in patient cells. Previously, dominant-negative αII-spectrin gene mutations were described as causal in a spectrum of epilepsy phenotypes.
Mode and Tempo of Microsatellite Length Change in a Malaria Parasite Mutation Accumulation Experiment
Authors: McDew-White Marina , Li Xue , Nkhoma Standwell C , Nair Shalini , Cheeseman Ian , Anderson Tim J C 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMalaria parasites have small extremely AT-rich genomes: microsatellite repeats (1–9 bp) comprise 11% of the genome and genetic variation in natural populations is dominated by repeat changes in microsatellites rather than point mutations. This experiment was designed to quantify microsatellite mutation patterns in Plasmodium falciparum. We established 31 parasite cultures derived from a single parasite cell and maintained these for 114–267 days with frequent reductions to a single cell, so parasites accumulated mutations during ∼13,207 cell divisions. We Illumina sequenced the genomes of both progenitor and end-point mutation accumulation (MA) parasite lines in duplicate to validate stringent calling parameters. Microsatellite calls were 99.89% (GATK), 99.99% (freeBayes), and 99.96% (HipSTR) concordant in duplicate sequence runs from independent sequence libraries, whereas introduction of microsatellite mutations into the reference genome revealed a low false negative calling rate (0.68%). We observed 98 microsatellite mutations. We highlight several conclusions: microsatellite mutation rates (3.12 × 10−7 to 2.16 × 10−8/cell division) are associated with both repeat number and repeat motif like other organisms studied. However, 41% of changes resulted from loss or gain of more than one repeat: this was particularly true for long repeat arrays. Unlike other eukaryotes, we found no insertions or deletions that were not associated with repeats or homology regions. Overall, microsatellite mutation rates are among the lowest recorded and comparable to those in another AT-rich protozoan (Dictyostelium). However, a single infection (>1011 parasites) will still contain over 2.16 × 103 to 3.12 × 104 independent mutations at any single microsatellite locus.
The Genome Sequence of the Anthelmintic-Susceptible New Zealand Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Palevich Nikola , Maclean Paul H , Baten Abdul , Scott Richard W , Leathwick David M 
Published: June 2019

AbstractInternal parasitic nematodes are a global animal health issue causing drastic losses in livestock. Here, we report a H. contortus representative draft genome to serve as a genetic resource to the scientific community and support future experimental research of molecular mechanisms in related parasites. A de novo hybrid assembly was generated from PCR-free whole genome sequence data, resulting in a chromosome-level assembly that is 465 Mb in size encoding 22,341 genes. The genome sequence presented here is consistent with the genome architecture of the existing Haemonchus species and is a valuable resource for future studies regarding population genetic structures of parasitic nematodes. Additionally, comparative pan-genomics with other species of economically important parasitic nematodes have revealed highly open genomes and strong collinearities within the phylum Nematoda.
Introducing the RZ model for definition and optimization of the boundary of low emission zones
Authors: Kabiri Shahab , Hajihosseinlou Mansour , Kabiri Shabnam 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Poor urban air quality is one of the most pressing environmental problems, and the rapid growth in the number of motor vehicles is a major contributor to it. To tackle this problem, low emission zones (LEZs) were introduced and they have been applied in many of the mega cities around the world. Yet, a scientific approach to design the boundaries of LEZs is missing. This study develops an innovative model to address this gap, using total vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT) as the basis. The model allows defining and/or optimizing the LEZ boundaries. It is applied for the Tehran metropolitan area, as a case study, and the results show the optimality of the existing LEZ boundaries; however, they challenge the efficiency of the proposed policies on modifying current boundaries.
Time to Rehospitalization in Patients With Schizophrenia Receiving Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics or Oral Antipsychotics
Authors: Lin Ching-Hua , Chen Feng-Chua , chan Hung-Yu , Hsu Chun-Chi 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to investigate and compare time to rehospitalization in patients with schizophrenia receiving long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) after discharge with those receiving oral antipsychotics. Additionally, the trend of LAIs prescription rates was investigated.MethodsPatients with schizophrenia (n = 13 087), who were discharged from the study hospital from 2006 to 2017, were followed-up under naturalistic conditions in the year after discharge. The primary outcome was time to rehospitalization. Survival analysis was used in the comparisons between LAIs and oral antipsychotics and between FGA-LAIs and SGA-LAIs. Simple linear regression and Cochrane-Armitage trend test were used to test whether a time trend existed for LAIs prescription rates.ResultsIn the 1 year following discharge, patients in the LAIs group had a significantly lower rehospitalization rate and a significantly lengthened time to rehospitalization than those in the oral antipsychotics group. Rehospitalization rate and time to rehospitalization were not significantly different in patients receiving FGA-LAIs or SGA-LAIs. A significantly higher percentage of patients treated with FGA-LAIs received anticholinergic agents than those treated with SGA-LAIs. The LAIs prescription rate grew significantly from 2006 to 2017 by an average of 0.5% per year.ConclusionsLAIs were significantly superior to oral antipsychotics in reducing rehospitalization risk, whereas SGA-LAIs were comparable with FGA-LAIs in reducing rehospitalization risk. However, use of concomitant anticholinergic agents was less frequent in the SGA-LAIs group than in the FGA-LAIs group. Increase in LAIs prescription rate may be due to growing experiences and success among clinicians in treating patients with LAIs.
Psychopharmacological Treatment of Schizophrenia Over Time in 30 908 Inpatients: Data From the AMSP Study
Authors: Toto Sermin , Grohmann Renate , Bleich Stefan , Frieling Helge , Maier Hannah B , Greil Waldemar , Cordes Joachim , Schmidt-Kraepelin Christian , Kasper Siegfried , Stübner Susanne , Degner Detlef , Druschky Katrin , Zindler Tristan , Neyazi Alexandra 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background
Psychotropic drugs are the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment, often requiring lifelong treatment. Data on pharmacotherapy in inpatient settings are lacking.

Methods
Prescription data of schizophrenic inpatients within the time period 2000–2015 were obtained from the database of the Drug Safety Program in Psychiatry (AMSP). Data were collected at 2 index dates per year; the prescription patterns and changes over time were analyzed.

Results
Among 30 908 inpatients (mean age 41.6 years, 57.8% males), the drug classes administered most often were antipsychotics (94.8%), tranquilizers (32%), antidepressants (16.5%), antiparkinsonians (16%), anticonvulsants (14.1%), hypnotics (8.1%), and lithium (2.1%).
The use of second-generation antipsychotics significantly increased from 62.8% in 2000 to 88.9% in 2015 (P < .001), whereas the prescription of first-generation antipsychotics decreased from 46.6% in 2000 to 24.7% in 2015 (P < .001). The administration of long-acting injectable antipsychotics decreased from 15.2% in 2000 to 11.7% in 2015 (P = .006). Clopazine was the most often used antipsychotic, having been used for 21.3% of all patients. Polypharmacy rates (≥5 drugs) increased from 19% in 2000 to 26.5% in 2015. Psychiatric polypharmacy (≥3 psychotropic drugs) was present in 44.7% of patients.

Conclusions
Combinations of antipsychotics and augmentation therapies with other drug classes are frequently prescribed for schizophrenic patients. Though treatment resistance and unsatisfactory functional outcomes reflect clinical necessity, further prospective studies are needed on real-world prescription patterns in schizophrenia to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this common practice.
Repeated determination of moxifloxacin concentrations in interstitial space fluid of muscle and subcutis in septic patients
Authors: Nowak Hartmuth , Weidemann Caroline , Martini Stefan , Oesterreicher Zoe Anne , Dorn Christoph , Adamzik Michael , Kees Frieder , Zeitlinger Markus , Rahmel Tim 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background
For an effective antimicrobial treatment, it is crucial that antibiotics reach sufficient concentrations in plasma and tissue. Currently no data exist regarding moxifloxacin plasma concentrations and exposure levels in tissue under septic conditions.

Objectives
To determine the pharmacokinetics of moxifloxacin in plasma and interstitial space fluid over a prolonged period.

Patients and methods
Ten septic patients were treated with 400 mg of moxifloxacin once a day; on days 1, 3 and 5 of treatment plasma sampling and microdialysis in the subcutis and muscle of the upper thigh were performed to determine concentrations of moxifloxacin in different compartments. This trial was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS, register number DRKS00012985).

Results
Mean unbound fraction of moxifloxacin in plasma was 85.5±3.4%. On day 1, Cmax in subcutis and muscle was 2.8±1.8 and 2.5±1.3 mg/L, respectively, AUC was 24.8±15.1 and 21.3±10.5 mg·h/L, respectively, and fAUC0–24/MIC was 100.9±62.9 and 86.5±38.3 h, respectively. Cmax for unbound moxifloxacin in plasma was 3.5±0.9 mg/L, AUC was 23.5±7.5 mg·h/L and fAUC0–24/MIC was 91.6±24.8 h. Key pharmacokinetic parameters on days 3 and 5 showed no significant differences. Clearance was higher than in healthy adults, but tissue concentrations were comparable, most likely due to a lower protein binding.

Conclusions
Surprisingly, the first dose already achieved exposure comparable to steady-state conditions. The approved daily dose of 400 mg was adequate in our patient population. Thus, it seems that in septic patients a loading dose on the first day of treatment with moxifloxacin is not required.
Productivity of Neoseiulus bicaudus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) Reared on Natural Prey, Alternative Prey, and Artificial Diet
Authors: Su Jie , Dong Fang , Liu Si-min , Lu Yan-hui , Zhang Jian-ping 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe predatory mite, Neoseiulus bicaudus (Wainstein), is a potential biological control agent against spider mites and thrips. The objective of this experiment was to compare the effects of three diets on the life table of N. bicaudus. The three diets were 1) Tetranychus turkestani (Ugarov & Nikolskii) (Acari: Tetranychidae), the natural prey of N. bicaudus; 2) Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acari: Acaridae), an alternative prey; and 3) artificial diet primarily consisting of decapsulated shrimp cysts, egg yolk, and honey. The computer simulation was used to project the population growth of N. bicaudus fed on different diets. The preadult developmental time (3.83 d) of N. bicaudus was shortest, and the intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.2782 d−1) and the net reproductive rate (R0 = 18.98 offspring) were highest when reared on the alternative prey Ty. putrescentiae. The total development time (7.37 d) was longest, and the population parameters were the lowest (r = −0.0081 d−1, R0 = 0.85 offspring) when N. bicaudus was reared on artificial diet. The population projection showed that the population of N. bicaudus reared on Ty. putrescentiae could increase fast. Our results showed that the Ty. putrescentiae was the most suitable prey for mass rearing of N. bicaudus. The artificial diet could not support the N. bicaudus population and needs to be improved.