bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of testicular hemodynamic and echogenicity changes on ram semen characteristics
Authors: Ntemka Aikaterini , Kiossis Evangelos , Boscos Constantin , Theodoridis Alexandros , Kourousekos Georgios , Tsakmakidis Ioannis 
Published: September 2018

ContentsThis study investigated correlations among ram semen quality parameters, testicular vascularity and echotexture. Measurements were performed biweekly for a year, before (BE) and after ejaculation (AE), on seven Chios breed rams [three rams (group A) and four rams (group B) of 2–6 and 9–13 years old, respectively], considering breeding (1) and non‐breeding period (2). Hemodynamics [Pulsatility Index (PI), Resistive Index (RI)] were evaluated in each testis. Images of testicular parenchyma were analysed to evaluate echogenicity [Mean Value (MV), Contrast (Con), Gray Value Distribution (GVD), Run Length Distribution (RunLD), Long Run Emphasis (LRunEm)]. Semen volume (V), concentration (C), kinetics (CASA), morphology (Sperm Blue), viability (Eosin‐Nigrosin) and DNA fragmentation (Acridine Orange) were assessed. In group A/2, semen V was correlated to left testis PI and right testis RI, BE (r = 0.4, p = 0.013/r = 0.6, p < 0.001, respectively), and to right testis PI and RI, AE (r = 0.5, p < 0.001). In A/1/AE, semen C was correlated to left testis PI (r = −0.5, p = 0.003). In group A/1/BE, RI of both testes was correlated to total and tail abnormalities (left: r = −0.5, p = 0.008/ p = 0.004, respectively – right: r = −0.4/r = −0.5, p = 0.01/ p = 0.008, respectively). In group B/1/BE, sperm tail and total abnormalities were correlated to left testis Con (r = 0.5, p = 0.02/ p < 0.001, respectively), whereas in A/2/BE, they were correlated to left testis LRunEm (r = −0.8/r = −0.7, p < 0.001, respectively). In group A/1/BE, DNA damage was correlated to right testis LRunEm (r = −0.6, p < 0.001) and tail abnormalities to left testis PI (r = −0.5, p = 0.03). In group B/1/AE, right testis LRunEm, GVD, RunLD, were correlated to sperm DNA integrity (r = −0.9, p < 0.001). Immotile spermatozoa and viability were correlated to left testis Con in group B/2/AE (r = −0.6/r = 0.6, p < 0.001) and to right testis MV in group A/1/AE (r = −0.6/r = 0.6, p < 0.001). In conclusion, alterations in both ram testes blood flow and echotexture seem to be moderately correlated with sperm assessed parameters, depending on season and ram age.
Lesbians achieving pregnancy: The intersections of social location and the heteronormative medicalization of infertility
Authors: Rogalin Christabel L. , Brooks Jane E. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFew sociological studies address the relationship between social location and other intersecting influences on lesbian's experiences achieving pregnancy. Other disciplines examine the experiences of lesbians seeking infertility interventions, whether low‐tech (self‐insemination at home) or high‐tech (paying for medical interventions within a medical institution). Recently, as lesbians seek to achieve pregnancy, many are increasingly coming into contact with the heteronormative medical world. In this review, we discuss the intersecting factors of race/ethnicity, social class and sexuality, and how these factors influence and shape lesbian experiences regarding the heteronormative medicalization of infertility.
Influence of myocardial scar on the response to frequent premature ventricular complex ablation
Authors: Penela Diego , Martínez Mikel , Fernández-Armenta Juan , Aguinaga Luis , Tercedor Luis , Ordóñez Augusto , Acosta Juan , Martí-Almor Julio , Bisbal Felipe , Rossi Luca , Borràs Roger , Linhart Markus , Soto-Iglesias David , Jáuregui Beatriz , Ortiz-Pérez José T , Perea Rosario J , Bosch Xavier , Mont Lluis , Berruezo Antonio 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the influence of myocardial scar after premature ventricular complexes (PVC) ablation in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.Methods70 consecutive patients (58±11 years, 58 (83%) men, 23% (18–32) mean PVC burden) with LV dysfunction and frequent PVCs submitted for ablation were included. A late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) was performed prior to the ablation and a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the scar was done.ResultsLeft ventricular ejection fraction progressively improved from 34.3%±9% at baseline to 44.4%±12% at 12 months (p<0.01) and 48 (69%) patients were echocardiographic responders. New York Heart Association class improved from 1.96±0.9 points at baseline to 1.36±0.6 at 12 months (p<0.001). Brain natriuretic peptide decreased from 120 (60–284) to 46 (23–81) pg/mL (p=0.04). Twenty-nine (41%) patients showed scar in the preprocedural LGE-CMR with a mean scar mass of 10.4 (5–20) g. Mean scar mass was significantly smaller in responders than in non-responders (0 (0–4.7) g vs 2 (0–14) g, respectively, p=0.017). PVC burden reduction (OR 1.09 (1.01–1.16), p=0.02) and scar mass (OR 0.9 (0.81–0.99), p=0.04) were independent predictors of response, but the former showed a higher accuracy.ConclusionsPresence of myocardial scar modulates, but does not preclude, the probability of response to PVC ablation in patients with LV dysfunction.
Fourteen-year-old boy with decreased appetite and pedal swelling
Authors: Ghosh Gopal Chandra , S Aparna , George Oomen K 
Published: September 2018

Clinical introductionA 14-year-old boy presented with history of decreased appetite and bilateral swelling of feet for 6 months. He did not give any associated history of orthopnoea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea. He was born by a normal delivery after a non-consanguineous marriage. He had an unremarkable birth and childhood health history. There was no family history of significant cardiovascular illness or sudden death. Clinical examination showed an average built boy with elevated jugular venous pressure with prominent v wave and bilateral pitting pedal oedema. Cardiovascular examination showed normal first (S1) and second (S2) heart sounds and a short early systolic murmur over tricuspid region. Other systems examination was remarkable for soft tender hepatomegaly.ECG showed sinus rhythm with tall, peaked p waves. Chest X-ray revealed enlargement along the right cardiac border. Transthoracic echocardiographic images are shown in figure 1A (apical four-chamber view) and figure 1B (tricuspid inflow Doppler). There was no colour Doppler evidence of interatrial shunt.QuestionWhat is the most likely diagnosis of his condition?Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF)Ebstein’s anomalyArrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD)Idiopathic dilatation of right atriumRestrictive cardiomyopathy
Systematic review and evidence synthesis of non-cervical human papillomavirus-related disease health system costs and quality of life estimates
Authors: Ong Koh Jun , Checchi Marta , Burns Lorna , Pavitt Charlotte , Postma Maarten J , Jit Mark 
Published: September 2018

Background
Many economic evaluations of human papillomavirus vaccination should ideally consider multiple disease outcomes, including anogenital warts, respiratory papillomatosis and non-cervical cancers (eg, anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vulvar and vaginal cancers). However, published economic evaluations largely relied on estimates from single studies or informal rapid literature reviews.

Methods
We conducted a systematic review of articles up to June 2016 to identify costs and utility estimates admissible for an economic evaluation from a single-payer healthcare provider’s perspective. Meta-analyses were performed for studies that used same utility elicitation tools for similar diseases. Costs were adjusted to 2016/2017 US$.

Results
Sixty-one papers (35 costs; 24 utilities; 2 costs and utilities) were selected from 10 742 initial records. Cost per case ranges were US$124–US$883 (anogenital warts), US$6912–US$52 579 (head and neck cancers), US$12 936–US$51 571 (anal cancer), US$17 524–34 258 (vaginal cancer), US$14 686–US$28 502 (vulvar cancer) and US$9975–US$27 629 (penile cancer). The total cost for 14 adult patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis was US$137 601 (one paper).
Utility per warts episode ranged from 0.651 to 1 (12 papers, various utility elicitation methods), with pooled mean EQ-5D and EQ-VAS of 0.86 (95% CI 0.85 to 0.87) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.75), respectively. Fifteen papers reported utilities in head and neck cancers with range 0.29 (95% CI 0.0 to 0.76) to 0.94 (95% CI 0.3 to 1.0). Mean utility reported ranged from 0.5 (95% CI 0.4 to 0.61) to 0.65 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.75) (anal cancer), 0.59 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.64) (vaginal cancer), 0.65 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.70) (vulvar cancer) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.84) (penile cancer).

Conclusions
Differences in values reported from each paper reflect variations in cancer site, disease stages, study population, treatment modality/setting and utility elicitation methods used. As patient management changes over time, corresponding effects on both costs and utility need to be considered to ensure health economic assumptions are up-to-date and closely reflect the case mix of patients.
Moderate-intensity exercise reduces activated and apoptotic endothelial microparticles in healthy midlife women
Authors: Serviente Corinna , Burnside Amy , Witkowski Sarah 
Published: September 2018

Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Risk factors for CVD increase with menopause, and greater cardiorespiratory fitness is generally expected to reduce CVD risk. The effects of habitual physical activity on endothelial health may be due in part to the effect of acute exercise on circulating EMPs. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of an acute bout of exercise on CD62E+and CD31+/42b−EMPs in healthy fit midlife women at different menopausal stages. Healthy, active premenopausal (PRE), perimenopausal (PERI), and postmenopausal (POST) women completed a single bout of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise. Activated (CD62E+) and apoptotic (CD31+/42b−) EMPs were evaluated before and 30 min after exercise by using fluorescent activated cell sorting. In an exploratory analysis, these results were compared with data from low-fit peri- and postmenopausal women. Differences by group and time point were evaluated with repeated-measure ANOVAs. There was a reduction in the number of total microparticles ( P < 0.001), CD62E+( P = 0.003), and CD31+/42b−( P < 0.001) EMPs/μl plasma following acute exercise. The percentage of CD62E+EMPs increased with acute exercise ( P < 0.001), whereas the percentage of CD31+/42b−EMPs did not change ( P = 0.40). There was no effect of menopausal status on CD62E+or CD31+/42b−EMPs, or on total microparticles (all P > 0.05). The exploratory analysis revealed that low-fit women had similar changes in EMPs with acute exercise. We concluded that acute moderate-intensity exercise reduces CD62E+and CD31+/42b−EMPs, as well as total microparticles, in healthy midlife women. These effects occurred despite differences in menopausal status and fitness.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that acute moderate-intensity exercise reduces activated and apoptotic endothelial microparticles in healthy midlife women.
Effects of stroke injury on the shear modulus of the lower leg muscle during passive dorsiflexion
Authors: Le Sant Guillaume , Nordez Antoine , Hug François , Andrade Ricardo , Lecharte Thomas , McNair Peter J. , Gross Raphaël 
Published: September 2018

Contractures are common complications of a stroke. The spatial location of the increased stiffness among plantar flexors and its variability among survivors remain unknown. This study assessed the mechanical properties of the lower leg muscles in stroke survivors during passive dorsiflexions. Stiffness was estimated through the measurement of the shear modulus. Two experiments were independently conducted, in which participants lay supine: with the knee extended ( experiment 1, n = 13 stroke survivors and n = 13 controls), or with the knee flexed at 90° ( experiment 2, n = 14 stroke survivors and n = 14 controls). The shear modulus of plantar flexors [gastrocnemius medialis (three locations), gastrocnemius lateralis (three locations), soleus (two locations), flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus), peroneus longus] and dorsiflexors (tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus) was measured using ultrasound shear wave elastography during passive dorsiflexions (2°/s). At the same ankle angle, stroke survivors displayed higher shear modulus than controls for gastrocnemius medialis and gastrocnemius lateralis (knee extended) and soleus (knee flexed). Very low shear modulus was found for the other muscles. The adjustment for muscle slack angle suggested that the increased shear modulus was arising from consequences of contractures. The stiffness distribution between muscles was consistent across participants with the highest shear modulus reported for the most distal regions of gastrocnemius medialis (knee extended) and soleus (knee flexed). These results provide a better appreciation of stiffness locations among plantar flexors of stroke survivors and can provide evidence for the implementation of clinical trials to evaluate targeted interventions applied on these specific muscle regions.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The shear modulus of 13 muscle regions was assessed in stroke patients using elastography. When compared with controls, shear modulus was increased in the gastrocnemius muscle (GM) when the knee was extended and in the soleus (SOL) when the knee was flexed. The distal regions of GM and SOL were the most affected. These changes were consistent in all the stroke patients, suggesting that the regions are a potential source of the increase in joint stiffness.
Downregulation ofDipeptidyl Peptidase 4Accelerates Progression to Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Russo Joshua W. , Gao Ce , Bhasin Swati S. , Voznesensky Olga S. , Calagua Carla , Arai Seiji , Nelson Peter S. , Montgomery Bruce , Mostaghel Elahe A. , Corey Eva , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Ye Huihui , Bhasin Manoj , Balk Steven P. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe standard treatment for metastatic prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), is designed to suppress androgen receptor (AR) activity. However, men invariably progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), and AR reactivation contributes to progression in most cases. To identify mechanisms that may drive CRPC, we examined a VCaP prostate cancer xenograft model as tumors progressed from initial androgen sensitivity prior to castration to castration resistance and then on to relapse after combined therapy with further AR-targeted drugs (abiraterone plus enzalutamide). AR activity persisted in castration-resistant and abiraterone/enzalutamide–resistant xenografts and was associated with increased expression of the AR gene and the AR-V7 splice variant. We then assessed expression of individual AR-regulated genes to identify those that persisted, thereby contributing to tumor growth, versus those that decreased and may therefore exhibit tumor suppressor activities. The most significantly decreased AR target gene was dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), which encodes a membrane-anchored protein that cleaves dipeptides from multiple growth factors, resulting in their increased degradation. DPP4 mRNA and protein were also decreased in clinical CRPC cases, and inhibition of DPP4 with sitagliptin enhanced the growth of prostate cancer xenografts following castration. Significantly, DPP4 inhibitors are frequently used to treat type 2 diabetes as they increase insulin secretion. Together, these results implicate DPP4 as an AR-regulated tumor suppressor gene whose loss enhances growth factor activity and suggest that treatment with DPP4 inhibitors may accelerate emergence of resistance to ADT.Significance: These findings identify DPP4 as an AR-stimulated tumor suppressor gene that is downregulated during progression to castration-resistant prostate cancer, warning that treatment with DPP4 inhibitors, commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, may accelerate prostate cancer progression following androgen deprivation therapy. Cancer Res; 78(22); 6354–62. ©2018 AACR.
Nano-delivery of RAD6/Translesion Synthesis Inhibitor SMI#9 for Triple-negative Breast Cancer Therapy
Authors: Saadat Nadia , Liu Fangchao , Haynes Brittany , Nangia-Makker Pratima , Bao Xun , Li Jing , Polin Lisa A. , Gupta Smiti , Mao Guangzhao , Shekhar Malathy P. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
The triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype, regardless of their BRCA1 status, has the poorest outcome compared with other breast cancer subtypes, and currently there are no approved targeted therapies for TNBC. We have previously demonstrated the importance of RAD6-mediated translesion synthesis pathway in TNBC development/progression and chemoresistance, and the potential therapeutic benefit of targeting RAD6 with a RAD6-selective small-molecule inhibitor, SMI#9. To overcome SMI#9 solubility limitations, we recently developed a gold nanoparticle (GNP)-based platform for conjugation and intracellular release of SMI#9, and demonstrated its in vitro cytotoxic activity toward TNBC cells. Here, we characterized the in vivo pharmacokinetic and therapeutic properties of PEGylated GNP-conjugated SMI#9 in BRCA1 wild-type and BRCA1-mutant TNBC xenograft models, and investigated the impact of RAD6 inhibition on TNBC metabolism by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. GNP conjugation allowed the released SMI#9 to achieve higher systemic exposure and longer retention as compared with the unconjugated drug. Systemically administered SMI#9-GNP inhibited the TNBC growth as effectively as intratumorally injected unconjugated SMI#9. Inductively coupled mass spectrometry analysis showed highest GNP concentrations in tumors and liver of SMI#9-GNP and blank-GNP–treated mice; however, tumor growth inhibition occurred only in the SMI#9-GNP–treated group. SMI#9-GNP was tolerated without overt signs of toxicity. SMI#9-induced sensitization was associated with perturbation of a common set of glycolytic pathways in BRCA1 wild-type and BRCA1-mutant TNBC cells. These data reveal novel SMI#9 sensitive markers of metabolic vulnerability for TNBC management and suggest that nanotherapy-mediated RAD6 inhibition offers a promising strategy for TNBC treatment.
Parallels Between Tyrant and Philosopher in Plato’s Republic
Authors: Connell Sophia M. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
The Republic presents the characters of the philosopher and the tyrant as similar. Strongly focused by indiscriminate erotic motivation, both defy convention and lack familiar emotional responses, which make them appear to be mad. This essay argues that Plato put forward these parallels partly in order to defend Socrates from the charge of corrupting the young, partly to present a possible way to overthrow the current regime and partly to show the ineffectiveness of democracy. The very best leaders may look like tyrants; it is only through proper philosophical education that their true natures can be discerned.
Xenophon’s Hipparchikos and the Athenian Embrace of Citizen Philotimia
Authors: Keim Benjamin 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Although negotiations over the competing claims of honour (timê) and awards of instantiated honours (timai) were central features of Athenian democracy, the dangerous ambiguities of philotimia meant that only from the 340s BC were the Athenians explicitly embracing this love of honour and celebrating its display by citizens and non-citizens alike. Here I argue that a close reading of Xenophon’s treatise on cavalry command, Hipparchikos, advances our understanding of this embrace of public-spirited honour in three ways. First, Xenophon founds the success of the cavalry on the training of knowledgeable officers who are able to harness the Athenians’ extraordinary love of honour, on display and on campaign. Second, he reveals the diverse roles played by timê and philotimia throughout the entire institution of the Athenian cavalry, fostering competitive excellence as well as community amongst cavalry, polis, and gods. Third, Xenophon’s arguments about the nature and negotiation of Athenian honour anticipate the ideological and institutional embrace of citizen honour that, amply attested by epigraphic and literary records, was central to Athenian flourishing during the Lycurgan and Hellenistic eras.
Thucydides’ Assessments of Pericles and Alcibiades as a Lesson in Leadership Ethics
Authors: Mantzouranis Kleanthis 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
The present study examines Thucydides’ assessments of Pericles (2.65) and Alcibiades (6.15) drawing on advances from Leadership Studies. Moving away from conceptions of leadership as a quality of individuals, modern leadership theory views leadership as a relational process between leaders and followers. Thucydides’ assessments of Pericles and Alcibiades examine not only their effectiveness (i.e., their success or failure in conducting the war), but more importantly, the impact of their personal ethics on their relationship with followers. For Thucydides, both leaders displayed administrative competence, but their diverse adherence to ethical principles had a grave impact on their interaction with followers and consequently on their position as leaders. The comparative study of the two passages highlights how Thucydides’ understanding of leadership as a relational process anticipates an important strand of modern leadership theory according to which both effectiveness and ethics are inextricably intertwined in the concept of good leadership.
Tornado Debris from the 23 May 2017 “Tybee Tornado”
Authors: Black Alan W. , Knox John A. , Rackley Jared A. , Grondin Nicholas S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe examine the trajectories of four historical markers displaced during an enhanced Fujita scale 2 (EF2) tornado at the Fort Pulaski National Monument located on Cockspur Island, east of Savannah in southeast Georgia. The careful work of National Park Service employees in cataloguing the origin and landing points of the debris allows for an unusually accurate analysis of tornado debris trajectories for heavy objects. These markers, weighing around 68 kg (150 lb) each, traveled intact for distances of up to 220 m (750 ft). One of the historical markers was fractured into at least three pieces, the larger of which traveled 300 m (1,000 ft). Understanding the travel for these relatively heavy items is important, as they are similar in weight to household appliances that could commonly be part of a tornado debris field.