bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lubricant use during intercourse and time to pregnancy: a prospective cohort study
Authors: McInerney KA , Hahn KA , Hatch EE , Mikkelsen EM , Steiner AZ , Rothman KJ , Sørensen HT , Snerum TM , Wise LA 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo assess the extent to which lubricant use during intercourse is associated with time to pregnancy (TTP).DesignProspective cohort study.SettingDenmark and North America.PopulationA total of 6467 women aged 18–49 years who were not using contraception or fertility treatment.MethodsWe pooled data from two continuing prospective cohort studies of pregnancy planners in Denmark (2011–2017) and North America (2013–2017). Female participants completed bimonthly questionnaires for 12 months or until they reported pregnancy. After restricting the study to women without a history of infertility who had been trying to conceive for six or fewer cycles at enrollment, 6467 women were retained for analysis. Self‐reported lubricant use was categorised as water‐based/not pH balanced, water‐based/pH balanced ‘fertility friendly’, silicone‐based, oil‐based, or a combination of these. We used proportional probability models to calculate fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association between lubricant use and fecundability, after adjusting for cohort and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.Main outcome measureFecundability.ResultsAt baseline, 17.5% of participants reported the use of lubricants, most commonly water‐based/not pH balanced (11.4%). Compared with non‐use of lubricants, FRs were 1.02 (95% CI 0.93–1.11) for water‐based/not pH‐balanced lubricant use, 1.01 (95% CI 0.86–1.18) for water‐based/pH balanced ‘fertility friendly’ lubricant use, 1.23 (95% CI 0.94–1.61) for oil‐based lubricant use, and 1.27 (95% CI 0.93–1.73) for silicone‐based lubricant use. Associations between oil‐based lubricant use and fecundability were inconsistent across subgroups of study cohort, age, parity, and intercourse frequency.ConclusionsLubricant use was not associated with reduced fecundability in the preconception cohorts of pregnancy planners studied.Tweetable abstractLubricant use during intercourse was not associated with time to pregnancy in a study of pregnancy planners.
The Fate of Mycotoxins During the Processing of Wheat for Human Consumption
Authors: Schaarschmidt Sara , Fauhl‐Hassek Carsten 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMycotoxins are a potential health threat in cereals including wheat. In the European Union (EU), mycotoxin maximum levels are laid down for cereal raw materials and final food products. For wheat and wheat‐based products, the EU maximum levels apply to deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone, aflatoxins, and ochratoxin A. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the different mycotoxins and their legal limits and on how processing of wheat can affect such contaminants, from raw material to highly processed final products, based on relevant scientific studies published in the literature. The potential compliance with EU maximum levels is discussed. Of the four mycotoxins regulated in wheat‐based foods in the EU, most data are available for DON, whereas aflatoxins were rarely studied in the processing of wheat. Furthermore, available data on the effect of processing are outlined for mycotoxins not regulated by EU law—including modified and emerging mycotoxins—and which cover DON derivatives (DON‐3‐glucoside, mono‐acetyl‐DONs, norDONs, deepoxy‐DON), nivalenol, T‐2 and HT‐2 toxins, enniatins, beauvericin, moniliformin, and fumonisins. The processing steps addressed in this review cover primary processing (premilling and milling operations) and secondary processing procedures (such as fermentation and thermal treatments). A special focus is on the production of baked goods, and processing factors for DON in wheat bread production were estimated. For wheat milling products derived from the endosperm and for white bread, compliance with legal requirements seems to be mostly achievable when applying good practices. In the case of wholemeal products, bran‐enriched products, or high‐cereal low‐moisture bakery products, this appears to be challenging and improved technology and/or selection of high‐quality raw materials would be required.
Clinicopathological features of advanced colorectal serrated lesions: A single‐center study in China
Authors: Liu Tian Yu , Jin Duo Chen , Khan Samiullah , Chen Xue , Shi Tao , Dong Wen Xiao , Qi Yan Rong , Guo Zi Xuan , Wang Bang Mao , Cao Hai Long 
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVEA growing body of evidence indicates that patients with colorectal serrated lesions, especially advanced serrated lesions (ASLs), are at risk of subsequent malignancy. This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological features of ASLs and the association between ASLs and synchronous advanced colorectal neoplasia (sACN) in a single center of China.METHODSA retrospective cross‐sectional study of consecutive symptomatic patients and healthy individuals who underwent colonoscopy between January 2010 and March 2016 was performed. Clinicopathological characteritics of the patients with ASLs were documented from the colonoscopy database.RESULTSColorectal serrated lesions were pathologically confirmed in 277 (N = 38 981, 0.7%) cases. Among them, 156 (56.3%) were found to have ASLs, with a total of 161 lesions including 71 sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/P) and 90 traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs). There were no differences in age and gender between the ASL and non‐ASL patients. Among the 161 ASLs, 29 (18.0%) were ≥10 mm in diameter. Compared with non‐ASLs, ASLs appeared more in the proximal colon (P = 0.007). Flat and subpedunculated lesions were more commonly found in the ASL group compared with the non‐ASL group. Nearly all ASLs (160/161) had dysplasia. Moreover, 16 sACN lesions were found in 156 ASL patients, and large diameter (≥10 mm) might be a significant risk factor for sACN (odds ratio 4.35, 95% confidence interval 1.467–12.894, P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONSASLs are more likely to occur in the proximal colon, and mainly present as flat and sub‐pedunculated types. Large ASLs are significantly associated with sACN.
Long non‐coding RNA linc01433 promotes migration and invasion in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Qian Banglun , Wang Xiang , Mao Chao , Jiang Yiqun , Shi Ying , Chen Ling , Liu Shuang , Wang Bin , Pan Shu , Tao Yongguang , Shi Hongcan 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundFor many years, lung cancer has been the most common and deadly cancer worldwide. Early diagnosis of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in particular is very difficult because the symptoms are often ignored. The five‐year survival rate is very low despite great improvements to therapy. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify prognostic biomarkers and target molecules for the clinical diagnosis and individualized treatment of NSCLC.MethodsWe performed quantitative real‐time PCR to determine the expression levels of the long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) linc01433 in NSCLC and normal matched lung tissue. Subsequently, we established cell lines with overexpression or knockdown of linc01433 to evaluate the effects on proliferation and metastasis in vitro. Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition was examined using Western blot.ResultsLinc01433 was significantly overexpressed in NSCLC tissues compared to normal lung tissues. In addition, linc01433 levels were associated with smoking history. Linc01433 overexpression in lung cancer cells increased proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities, as well as epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition.ConclusionsLinc01433 is a cancer‐related lncRNA that may have an oncogene‐like effect in NSCLC.
State‐Owned Enterprises, Competition, and Disclosure
Authors: Bova Francesco , Yang Liyan 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTWe develop a mixed‐duopoly model in which a private firm competes against a state‐owned enterprise (SOE) who cares about social welfare and is privately informed about market demand. When the SOE's social concerns are sufficiently important and when the market competitiveness is sufficiently low, the SOE commits to fully disclose its private information. Otherwise, the SOE commits to withhold its private information. When the disclosure equilibrium prevails, the private firm can be more profitable competing against an SOE than against another private firm. In this mixed‐duopoly setting, the equilibrium social welfare is maximized when the SOE puts a positive weight on both social welfare and its own profit. Our analysis has further implications for both mandatory disclosure and market entry.
THAM administration reduces pulmonary carbon dioxide elimination in hypercapnia – an experimental porcine study
Authors: Höstman S. , Kawati R. , Perchiazzi G. , Larsson A. 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundIn a previous study, we found a rebound of arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) after stopping THAM buffer administration. We hypothesized that this was due to reduced pulmonary CO2 elimination during THAM administration. The aim of this study was to investigate this hypothesis in an experimental porcine hypercapnic model.MethodsIn seven, initially normoventilated, anesthetized pigs (22–27 kg) minute ventilation was reduced by 66% for 7 h. Two hours after commencing hypoventilation, THAM was infused IV for 3 h in a dose targeting a pH of 7.35 followed by a 2 h observation period. Acid‐base status, blood‐gas content and exhaled CO2 were measured.ResultsTHAM raised pH (7.07 ± 0.04 to 7.41 ± 0.04, P < 0.05) and lowered PaCO2 (15.2 ± 1.4 to 12.2 ± 1.1 kPa, P < 0.05). After the infusion, pH decreased and PaCO2 increased again. At the end of the observation period, pH and PaCO2 were 7.24 ± 0.03 and 16.6 ± 1.2 kPa, respectively (P < 0.05). Pulmonary CO2 excretion decreased from 109 ± 12 to 74 ± 12 ml/min (P < 0.05) during the THAM infusion but returned at the end of the observation period to 111 ± 15 ml/min (P < 0.05). The estimated reduction of pulmonary CO2 elimination during the infusion was 5800 ml.ConclusionsIn this respiratory acidosis model, THAM reduced PaCO2, but seemed not to increase the total CO2 elimination due to decreased pulmonary CO2 excretion, suggesting only cautious use of THAM in hypercapnic acidosis.
Differences in White Matter Microstructure and Connectivity in Nontreatment‐Seeking Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Chumin Evgeny J. , Goñi Joaquín , Halcomb Meredith E. , Durazzo Timothy C. , Dzemidzic Mario , Yoder Karmen K. 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundDiffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) has been widely used to investigate the integrity of white matter (WM; indexed by fractional anisotropy [FA]) in alcohol dependence and cigarette smoking. These disorders are highly comorbid, yet cigarette use has often not been adequately controlled in neuroimaging studies of alcohol‐dependent populations. In addition, information on WM deficits in currently drinking, nontreatment‐seeking (NTS) individuals with alcohol dependence is limited. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate WM microstructural integrity in alcohol use disorder by comparing matched samples of cigarette smoking NTS and social drinkers (SD).MethodsThirty‐eight smoking NTS and 19 smoking SD subjects underwent DWI as well as structural magnetic resonance imaging. After an in‐house preprocessing of the DWI data, FA images were analyzed with tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS). FA obtained from the TBSS skeleton was tested for correlation with recent alcohol consumption.ResultsSmoking NTS had lower FA relative to smoking SD, predominantly in the left hemisphere (p < 0.05, family‐wise error rate corrected across FA skeleton). Across the full sample, FA and number of drinks per week were negatively related (ρ = −0.348, p = 0.008). Qualitative analyses of the structural connections through compromised WM as identified by TBSS showed differential connectivity of gray matter in NTS compared to SD subjects of left frontal, temporal, and parietal regions.ConclusionsNTS subjects had lower WM FA than SD, indicating compromised WM integrity in the NTS population. The inverse relationship of entire WM skeleton FA with self‐reported alcohol consumption supports previous evidence of a continuum of detrimental effects of alcohol consumption on WM. These results provide additional evidence that alcohol dependence is associated with reduced WM integrity in currently drinking NTS alcohol‐dependent individuals, after controlling for the key variable of cigarette smoking.
The relationship between negative symptoms and depression in schizophrenia: a systematic review
Authors: Krynicki C. R. , Upthegrove R. , Deakin J. F. W. , Barnes T. R. E. 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo provide an update on the evidence base for the nature of the relationship between negative symptoms and depressive features in people with schizophrenia, and propose new models that reflect their complex relationship.MethodA systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. A total of 2210 articles were identified from EMBASE, PsychInfo and MEDLINE, and further two articles were hand‐searched from references. Twenty‐seven met inclusion criteria and were included in the review.ResultsIn schizophrenia, primary evidence suggests symptoms of low mood, suicidal ideation and pessimism have more specificity for depression whereas alogia and blunted affect may have more specificity as negative symptoms. Anhedonia, anergia and avolition may be common to both.ConclusionIt may be possible to further distinguish depressive features from negative symptoms in schizophrenia when detailed phenomenology is considered. However, in a proposed dimensional model, these two domains continue to share certain phenomena, highlighting their close relationship.
Estimates of costs for modelling return on investment from smoking cessation interventions
Authors: Trapero‐Bertran Marta , Leidl Reiner , Muñoz Celia , Kulchaitanaroaj Puttarin , Coyle Kathryn , Präger Maximilian , Józwiak‐Hagymásy Judit , Cheung Kei Long , Hiligsmann Mickael , Pokhrel Subhash ,   on behalf of the EQUIPT Study Group
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackground and aimsModelling return on investment (ROI) from smoking cessation interventions requires estimates of their costs and benefits. This paper describes a standardized method developed to source both economic costs of tobacco smoking and costs of implementing cessation interventions for a Europe‐wide ROI model [European study on Quantifying Utility of Investment in Protection from Tobacco model (EQUIPTMOD)].DesignFocused search of administrative and published data. A standardized checklist was developed in order to ensure consistency in methods of data collection.Setting and participantsAdult population (15+ years) in Hungary, Netherlands, Germany, Spain and England. For passive smoking‐related costs, child population (0–15 years) was also included.MeasurementsCosts of treating smoking‐attributable diseases; productivity losses due to smoking‐attributable absenteeism; and costs of implementing smoking cessation interventions.FindingsAnnual costs (per case) of treating smoking attributable lung cancer were between €5074 (Hungary) and €52 106 (Germany); coronary heart disease between €1521 (Spain) and €3955 (Netherlands); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease between €1280 (England) and €4199 (Spain); stroke between €1829 (Hungary) and €14 880 (Netherlands). Costs (per recipient) of smoking cessation medications were estimated to be: for standard duration of varenicline between €225 (England) and €465 (Hungary); for bupropion between €25 (Hungary) and €220 (Germany). Costs (per recipient) of providing behavioural support were also wide‐ranging: one‐to‐one behavioural support between €34 (Hungary) and €474 (Netherlands); and group‐based behavioural support between €12 (Hungary) and €257 (Germany). The costs (per recipient) of delivering brief physician advice were: €24 (England); €9 (Germany); €4 (Hungary); €33 (Netherlands); and €27 (Spain).ConclusionsCosts of treating smoking‐attributable diseases as well as the costs of implementing smoking cessation interventions vary substantially across Hungary, Netherlands, Germany, Spain and England. Estimates for the costs of these diseases and interventions can contribute to return on investment estimates in support of national or regional policy decisions.
The role of frugivorous birds in fruit removal and seed germination of the invasive alien Cotoneaster franchetii in central Argentina
Authors: Díaz Vélez María C. , Sérsic Alicia N. , Traveset Anna , Paiaro Valeria 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMany invasive plant species have fleshy fruits that are eaten by native frugivorous birds which disperse their seeds and may facilitate their germination, playing an important role in plant invasion success. The fleshy‐fruited shrub Cotoneaster franchetii (Rosaceae) is an important invasive alien in the mountainous regions of central Argentina. To determine the role of avian frugivorous in fruit removal of this species, we conducted a frugivore exclusion experiment including bagged and unbagged branches in 75 plants of C. franchetii. At the end of the dispersal period, we compared the percentage of missing fruits (removed by birds + naturally dropped) in unbagged branches with the percentage of naturally dropped fruits in bagged branches. To assess whether any mechanism acting on seeds during their passage through bird guts (de‐inhibition by pulp removal and/or seed scarification) affects seed germination of this species, we compared percentage and speed of germination among seeds obtained from faeces of the native frugivorous Turdus chiguanco, from manually de‐pulped fruits, and from intact fruits. The percentage of missing fruits per shrub in unbagged branches was significantly higher than the percentage of naturally dropped fruits in bagged branches, suggesting that frugivorous birds play an important role in fruit removal of C. franchetii in the study area. Seeds from bird faeces and from manually de‐pulped fruits germinated in higher percentage and faster than seeds from intact fruits. Germination percentage and speed of seeds from manually de‐pulped fruits were significantly higher than those of gut‐passed seeds. These results indicate that T. chiguanco increases and accelerates seed germination of C. franchetii through pulp removal, but not through seed scarification. Overall, our findings indicate that native frugivorous birds facilitate the dispersal and germination success of C. franchetii, likely playing an important role in its invasion throughout the mountainous region of central Argentina.
Not such silly sausages: Evidence suggests northern quolls exhibit aversion to toads after training with toad sausages
Authors: Indigo Naomi , Smith James , Webb Jonathan K. , Phillips Ben 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe invasion of toxic cane toads (Rhinella marina) is a major threat to northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus) which are poisoned when they attack this novel prey item. Quolls are now endangered as a consequence of the toad invasion. Conditioned taste aversion can be used to train individual quolls to avoid toads, but we currently lack a training technique that can be used at a landscape scale to buffer entire populations from toad impact. Broad‐scale deployment requires a bait that can be used for training, but there is no guarantee that such a bait will ultimately elicit aversion to toads. Here, we test a manufactured bait – a ‘toad sausage’ – in a small captive trial, for its ability to elicit aversion to toads in northern quolls. To do this, we exposed one group of quolls to a toad sausage and another to a control sausage and compared the quolls' predatory responses when presented with a dead adult toad. Captive quolls that consumed a single toad sausage showed a reduced interest in cane toads, interacting with them for less than half the time of their untrained counterparts and showing reduced Attack behaviour. We also quantified bait uptake in the field, by both quolls and non‐target species. These field trials showed that wild quolls were the most frequent species attracted to the baits, and that approx. 61% of quolls consumed toad‐aversion baits when first encountered. Between 40% and 68% of these animals developed aversion to further bait consumption. Our results suggest that toad‐aversion sausages may be used to train wild quolls to avoid cane toads. This opens the possibility for broad‐scale quoll training with toad aversion sausages: a technique that may allow wildlife managers to prevent quoll extinctions at a landscape scale.
Japanese health professionals’ knowledge of dementia and educational needs: A population study
Authors: Annear Michael J 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesBest‐evidence dementia knowledge has the potential to improve care practices in aged care settings, although limited research has explored understanding among the Japanese workforce. This study examines the knowledge of dementia and educational needs among aged care professionals across Japan.MethodsAn online survey methodology was used to assess the dementia experiences and knowledge among a national, random sample of 117 Japanese aged care professionals.ResultsObjectively measured scores on the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale were moderate and lower than the scores recorded with comparable international cohorts. Knowledge scores were positively correlated with formal dementia education and self‐rated knowledge. Knowledge deficiencies were identified concerning differentiation of dementia symptoms, efficacy of pharmaceutical treatments, managing challenging behaviours and patient communication.ConclusionThese results may be used by academics, clinical educators and policy specialists to inform the development of workplace education in the Japanese aged care sector that aims to improve care quality.
Immune biomarkers and anti‐HIV activity in the reproductive tract of sexually active and sexually inactive adolescent girls
Authors: Ghosh Mimi , Jais Mariel , Biswas Roshni , Jarin Jason , Daniels Jason , Joy Christopher , Juzumaite Monika , Emmanuel Vanessa , Gomez‐Lobo Veronica 
Published: March 2018

ProblemAdolescent girls are disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, accounting for 22% of all new HIV infections globally. Yet little is known regarding the immune microenvironment of the adolescent female reproductive tract, especially regarding differences among sexually active and inactive girls, a critical parameter to evaluate HIV susceptibility associated with young age and sexual debut.MethodsCervico‐vaginal lavage (CVL) was collected from sexually active (10) and inactive (8) girls aged 11‐19 years and analyzed by ELISA for inflammation‐associated biomarkers IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, MIP‐3α, IL‐1α, IL‐1β, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9, as well as anti‐HIV mediators, Elafin, SLPI, human beta‐defensin 2, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP) 1 and 2. Cervical ectopy was analyzed using Volocity. Anti‐HIV activity was determined by TZM‐bl assay. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism and R.ResultsSexually inactive girls had significantly higher levels of TNF‐α (P = .029) in CVL compared to sexually active girls. In contrast, sexually active girls showed a trend toward higher levels of IL‐1α (P = .051) compared to the sexually inactive girls. Heat‐map correlations between cervical ectopy and immune biomarkers were also distinct between the 2 populations with significant positive associations between % ectopy and inflammation‐associated biomarkers IL‐6, IL‐1β, IL‐8, MIP‐3α, MMP‐8, and MMP‐9 observed in the sexually inactive but not sexually active group.ConclusionHigher pro‐inflammatory biomarker TNF‐α, as well as a distinct inflammation‐associated immune clustering in sexually inactive girls, can potentially increase risk for infections including HIV upon sexual debut. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to characterize the immune parameters associated with sexual activity.