bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Length of stay by uncomplicated diabetes bariatric surgery patients: A laparoscopic adjustable banding versus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Baffoe Seth K.A. , Rohrer James E. , Goes James 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectiveBariatric surgery is an effective procedure for morbidly obese patients when all else fails. The purpose of this study was to compare the hospital length of stay (LOS) for two surgical procedures, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).MethodsThis study was a retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2009 to 2014. Patients who received bariatric surgery as indicated by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) procedure codes were selected (N = 4001). Cases were limited to uncomplicated diabetic patients. Differences in the odds of long vs short (2< and ≥2) stay for a patient receiving LSG were compared with LAGB while adjusting for hospital volume, hospital size, patient age, gender, ethnicity, season, and year using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe odds for LSG (odds ratio [OR] = 0.100, 0.066‐0.150, P < 0.001) patients for long LOS are lower when compared with LAGB. In the stratified logistic regression model, both male (OR = 0.157, 0.074‐0.333, P < 0.001) and female (OR = 0.077, 0.046‐0.127, P < 0.001) had reduced odds of extended LOS for LSG. Discharged patients in the year 2012 (OR = 0.660, 0.536‐0.813, P < 0.001) had decreased odds of having a longer LOS when compared with the year 2014.Both government, nonfederal (OR = 0.452, 0.251‐0.816, P = 0.008), and private investor‐owned (OR = 0.421, 0.244‐0.726, P < 0.001) patients had similar odds for long duration of stay when compared with government or private. Urban non‐teaching (OR = 1.954, 1.653‐2.310, P < 0.001) patients had higher odds for long LOS in comparison with urban teaching. New England patients' (OR = 0.365, 0.232‐0.576, P < 0.001) odds for extended LOS were lower when compared with pacific. Both patients who received care in low (OR = 1.330, 1.109‐1.595, P = 0.002) and medium (OR = 1.639, 1.130‐2.377, P = 0.009) volume hospital had increased odds for long duration of stay. Female patients in the stratified logistic regression model with high (OR = 1.330, 1.109‐1.595, P < 0.002) volume had elevated odds of extended LOS when compared with very low volume hospital.ConclusionAmong the uncomplicated diabetic patients, LSG provides a substantially low odds of extended LOS after adjusting for covariates when compared with LAGB. The finding of the relative reduction in LOS for LSG suggests opportunities for improvement both for cost reduction for third party insurance payers and greater efficacy and outcomes for patients.
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was positively associated with micronutrient adequacy and negatively associated with dietary energy density among adolescents
Authors: Peng W. , Berry E. M. , Goldsmith R. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe possible associations between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and micronutrient and energy intakes are unknown among Israeli adolescents.MethodsA cross‐sectional, nationally representative, school‐based study was conducted in Israeli adolescents. Schoolchildren (n = 5005), aged 11–18 years, who completed a food frequency questionnaire and had complete data to compose a 14‐item modified KIDMED score were included.ResultsThe nutrient intakes for all the micronutrients showed a significant monotonic increase in the poor, average and good KIDMED groups (all P < 0.001). The same monotonic increasing was also shown in nutrient densities for most micronutrients (for calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate in both genders, additionally for phosphorus in girls) (all P < 0.05). A positive association was shown between the percentages of students with adequate intakes (AIs) or recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) in micronutrients and modified KIDMED scores. The positive association also existed between the number of micronutrients with AIs or RDAs and modified KIDMED scores (r = 0.495 and 0.501, P < 0.001) for boys and girls, respectively. By contrast, dietary energy density (calibrated by 1000 kcal) was negatively linearly associated with modified KIDMED scores, and a significant monotonic decrease in energy density was shown among the poor, average and good KIDMED groups (all P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe modified KIDMED score was positively associated with better micronutrient profile and negatively associated with dietary energy density in Israeli adolescents, indicating that the KIDMED index is a useful tool for combating the malnutrition of micronutrient deficiency and overweight/obesity.
Bands of Fontana are caused exclusively by the sinusoidal path of axons in peripheral nerves and predict axon path; evidence from rodent nerves and physical models
Authors: Alvey Luke M. , Jones James F. X. , Tobin‐O'Brien Cathal , Pickering Mark 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe precise cause of the bands of Fontana, striations on peripheral nerves visible to the naked eye, has been the subject of debate for hundreds of years. Some researchers have described them as reflecting the sinuous course of nerve fibres passing through nerves, and others have proposed that endoneurial collagen and sheaths surrounding nerves play a role in their appearance. We hypothesised that the bands are caused exclusively by reflection of light from the surfaces of nerve fibres travelling in phase in sinusoidal waveforms through peripheral nerves. We aligned images of obliquely illuminated nerves with confocal images of axons in those nerves, and the numbers and positions of the bands precisely matched the axonal waves. We also developed three‐dimensional models of nerves with representations of the sinusoidal path of axons at their surface. We observed patterns resembling the bands of Fontana when these models were obliquely illuminated. This provides evidence that the bands of Fontana can be caused by light reflected sinusoidal path of axons alone. We subsequently describe a mechanism of band production based on our observations of both nerves and models. We report that smaller diameter nerves such as phrenic nerves and distal branches of sciatic nerves have shorter band intervals than larger nerves, such as proximal trunks of sciatic nerves, and that shorter band intervals correlate with longer axons per unit length of nerve, which suggests a greater tolerance to stretch. Inspection of banding patterns on peripheral nerves may permit prediction of axon length within nerves, and assist in the interpretation of nerve conduction data, especially in diseases where axon path has become altered.
Scheduled care—As a way of caring: A phenomenological study of being cared for when suffering from alcohol use disorders
Authors: Bové Hanne Morkenborg , Lisby Marianne , Norlyk Annelise 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAims and objectivesTo elucidate the lived experience of how patients with alcohol use disorders experience being cared for when admitted to acute medical units.BackgroundAlcohol use is health damaging and is identified as one of the major avoidable risk factors, and alcohol use disorder is classified among the most harmful, debilitating disease categories. Patients suffering from alcohol use disorders are characterised by complex problems and health pictures spawned by chaotic lifestyles. However, the experience of the hospitalisation from patients’ perspective is poorly documented.DesignThe present study has a qualitative research design and is anchored in phenomenological and hermeneutical methodology, as described in reflective lifeworld research.MethodsThe data set consists of 15 in‐depth interviews with patients suffering from alcohol use disorders admitted to an acute medical unit. A purposive sampling strategy was used, and the interviews were conducted as open dialogues. The study was reported in accordance with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research.ResultsBeing cared for when hospitalised was experienced as a two‐stage process that changed throughout the hospitalisation from an experience of scheduled care experienced as caring to an experience of scheduled care experienced as non‐caring. Four constituents further described the variable experiences: being in a safe haven, sharing a tacit but mutual goal, being in a chaotic space and being on your own.ConclusionsThe study showed that being met in an authentic presence by nurses was a powerful tool that helped ease the hospitalisation. Patients suffering from alcohol use disorders call for an intentional and distinctive attentiveness and authentic presence from the nurses throughout their hospitalisation.Relevance to clinical practiceOur findings highlight that patients suffering from alcohol use disorders call for an intentional and distinct attentiveness from nurses throughout the hospitalisation, where a possible transfer of attention is noticed and responded to in the care provided.
The protective effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol against inflammation and oxidative stress in rat liver with fructose-induced hyperinsulinemia
Authors: Beydogan Alisa Bahar , Coskun Zeynep Mine , Bolkent Sema 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Objectives
A large amount of fructose is metabolized in the liver and causes hepatic functional damage. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known as a therapeutic agent for clinical and experimental applications. The study aims to investigate the effects of THC treatment on inflammation, lipid profiles and oxidative stress in rat liver with hyperinsulinemia.

Methods
Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into groups: control, fructose (10% fructose in drinking water for 12 weeks), THC (1.5 mg/kg/day for the last 4 weeks, intraperitoneally) and fructose+THC groups. Biochemical parameters were measured spectrophotometrically. ELISA method was used for insulin measurement. Apoptosis and inflammation markers were detected by the streptavidin-biotin peroxidase method.

Key findings
The consumptions of food and fluid are inversely proportional to fructose and non-fructose groups. Insulin levels were the highest in fructose group. The reduced glutathione-S-transferase level significantly increased in fructose + THC group compared with fructose group. Total cholesterol level in the fructose + THC group was higher than the fructose group. Caspase-3 and NF-κβ immunopositive cell numbers increased in fructose + THC rats compared with fructose group. The number of IL-6 immunopositive cell decreased in fructose + THC group compared with fructose group.

Conclusions
According to the result, long-term and low-dose THC administration may reduce hyperinsulinemia and inflammation in rats to some extent.
Bioaccumulation of trace elements in Arthrospira fusiformis algal blooms in Lakes Bogoria and Sonachi, Kenya: Evaluation and verification of toxicokinetic models
Authors: Muohi Anne W. , Zauke Gerd‐Peter , Brumsack Hans‐Jurgen , Mavuti Kenneth M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) was examined in Arthrospira fusiformis algal blooms. The present study was designed to provide information on accumulation strategies of the test organism and to verify two‐compartment toxicokinetic models as predictive tools. Heavy metal accumulation in the organisms did occur, and it was possible to estimate significant model parameters of two‐compartment models. The nominal exposure was a metal mixture of 0.005, 0.03, 0.02 and 0.06 μg/g of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, respectively, being doubled and tripled in subsequent experiments. The experiment design was a semi‐static system comprising five hours for uptake and a similar duration for clearance. The design comprised two replicates and a control. Cd and Cu produced better models (R2 > 0.5), compared to Pb and Zn. Concurrent uptake rate constants (k1) were higher than the elimination rate constants (k2), leading to net accumulation. The t‐values for parameter estimates were ≥2, indicating the estimates were statistically different from zero. Kinetic bioconcentration factors (BCFs) at theoretical equilibrium increased with increased exposure doses, especially for Cu. Time‐dependent model parameters were verified with independent experimental data to assess reproducibility. Cd and Cu models were verifiable, especially when the experiments were for the same environmental medium/lake. Time‐dependent model parameters were verified with data from concentration‐dependent exposures, indicating the models were verifiable, exhibiting better agreement when the model parameters and test data were from the same lake. Specific trace elements accumulation strategies for the test organism, Arthrospira fusiformis, the main food organism for flamingos in the studied lakes, can be useful in interpreting trophic transfers, noting flamingos in those lakes must be conserved because they are a tourist attraction, thereby being of significant economic benefit to the citizens and government of Kenya.
Use of monitoring data to improve implementation of a home fortification program in Bihar, India
Authors: Mehta Rukshan , Martorell Reynaldo , Chaudhuri Indrajit , Girard Amy Webb , Ramakrishnan Usha , Verma Pankaj , Kekre Priya , Srikantiah Sridhar , Young Melissa F. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis paper describes the use of program‐monitoring data to track program performance and inform activities. Monitoring data were collected as part of an effectiveness trial of multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs) for children 6–18 months in Bihar, India. Communities (n = 70; reaching over 10,000 children) were randomized to receive either counselling on infant and young child feeding or both counselling and MNPs. Government frontline health workers (FLWs) implemented and monitored program activities with support from CARE India and university partners. Monitoring data were collected over the duration of the entire program to assess program impact pathways using various checklists, which captured information about (a) attendance and training of FLWs at health subcentre meetings, (b) distribution of MNPs, (c) receipt and use of MNPs at the household level, and (d) midline mixed methods survey. At the beginning of the program, 72% of households reported receiving and 53% reported currently consuming MNPs. These numbers fell to 40% and 43% at midline, respectively. The main barrier to use by household was a lack of MNPs, due in part to infrequent FLW distribution. However, FLWs rarely reported MNP shortages at Anganwadi centres. Side effects also emerged as a barrier and were addressed through revised recommendations for MNP use. Qualitative data indicated high community acceptance of MNPs and a good understanding of the program by FLWs. The use of real‐time program data allowed for recognition of key program issues and decision‐making to enhance program implementation.
Elevational patterns and hierarchical determinants of biodiversity across microbial taxonomic scales
Authors: Yeh Chih‐Fu , Soininen Janne , Teittinen Anette , Wang Jianjun 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMicrobial biogeography is gaining increasing attention due to recent molecular methodological advance. However, the diversity patterns and their environmental determinants across taxonomic scales are still poorly studied. By sampling along an extensive elevational gradient in subarctic ponds of Finland and Norway, we examined the diversity patterns of aquatic bacteria and fungi from whole community to individual taxa across taxonomic coverage and taxonomic resolutions. We further quantified cross‐phylum congruence in multiple biodiversity metrics and evaluated the relative importance of climate, catchment and local pond variables as the hierarchical drivers of biodiversity across taxonomic scales. Bacterial community showed significantly decreasing elevational patterns in species richness and evenness, and U‐shaped patterns in local contribution to beta diversity (LCBD). Conversely, no significant species richness and evenness patterns were found for fungal community. Elevational patterns in species richness and LCBD, but not in evenness, were congruent across bacterial phyla. When narrowing down the taxonomic scope towards higher resolutions, bacterial diversity showed weaker and more complex elevational patterns. Taxonomic downscaling also indicated a notable change in the relative importance of biodiversity determinants with stronger local environmental filtering, but decreased importance of climatic variables. This suggested that niche conservatism of temperature preference was phylogenetically deeper than that of water chemistry variables. Our results provide novel perspectives for microbial biogeography and highlight the importance of taxonomic scale dependency and hierarchical drivers when modelling biodiversity and species distribution responses to future climatic scenarios.
The cap‐snatching reaction of yeast L‐A double‐stranded RNA virus is reversible and the catalytic sites on both Gag and the Gag domain of Gag‐Pol are active
Authors: Fujimura Tsutomu , Esteban Rosa 
Published: November 2018

SummaryThe yeast L‐A double‐stranded RNA virus synthesizes capped transcripts by a unique cap‐snatching mechanism in which the m7Gp moiety of host mRNA (donor) is transferred to the diphosphorylated 5′ end of the viral transcript (acceptor). This reaction is activated by viral transcription. Here, we show that cap snatching can be reversible. Because only m7Gp is transferred during the reaction, the resulting decapped donor, as expected, retained diphosphates at the 5′ end. We also found that the 5′ terminal nucleotide of the acceptor needs to be G but not A. Interestingly, the A‐initiated molecule when equipped with a cap structure (m7GpppA…) could work as cap donor. Because the majority of host mRNAs in yeast have A after the cap structures at the 5′ ends, this finding implies that cap‐snatching in vivo is virtually a one‐way reaction, in favor of furnishing the viral transcript with a cap. The cap‐snatching sites are located on the coat protein Gag and also the Gag domain of Gag‐Pol. Here, we demonstrate that both sites are functional, indicating that activation of cap snatching by transcription is not transmitted through the peptide bonding between the Gag and Pol domains of Gag‐Pol.
Should they stay or should they go? Nitric oxide and the clash of regulators governing Vibrio fischeri biofilm formation
Authors: Stabb Eric V. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryA key regulatory decision for many bacteria is the switch between biofilm formation and motile dispersal, and this dynamic is well illustrated in the light‐organ symbiosis between the bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri and the Hawaiian bobtail squid. Biofilm formation mediated by the syp gene cluster helps V. fischeri transition from a dispersed planktonic lifestyle to a robust aggregate on the surface of the nascent symbiotic organ. However, the bacteria must then swim to pores and down into the deeper crypt tissues that they ultimately colonize. A number of positive and negative regulators control syp expression and biofilm formation, but until recently the environmental inputs controlling this clash between opposing regulatory mechanisms have been unclear. Thompson et al. have now shown that Syp‐mediated biofilms can be repressed by a well‐known host‐derived molecule: nitric oxide. This regulation is accomplished by the NO sensor HnoX exerting control over the biofilm regulator HahK. The discoveries reported here by Thompson et al. cast new light on a critical early stage of symbiotic initiation in the V. fischeri‐squid model symbiosis, and more broadly it adds to a growing understanding of the role(s) that NO and HnoX play in biofilm regulation by many bacteria.
Evaluation of drug susceptibility test for Efinaconazole compared with conventional antifungal agents
Authors: Hur Min Seok , Park Minji , Jung Won Hee , Lee Yang Won 
Published: November 2018

SummaryBackgroundSuperficial fungal infections are one of the most common and burdensome skin problems affecting quality of life in patients. Various conventional antifungal agents have been used to treat fungal infections; however, various problems have been reported including drug interaction, drug resistance and low effectiveness. Efinaconazole is a novel antifungal agent, which has proven to be particularly effective against onychomycosis compared with conventional antifungal agents. However, the antifungal efficacy of Efinaconazole for specific strains has not been analysed.ObjectiveWe conducted an in‐vitro study to measure the antifungal activity of Efinaconazole against strains of Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Candida albicans compared with widely‐used antifungal drugs.MethodsWe obtained strains of T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes and C. albicans isolated from patients with onychomycosis and tinea pedis. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for various strains of fungal species was evaluated for the antifungal susceptibility test.ResultsEfinaconazole showed a low MIC against almost strains of dermatophytes and C albicans and also presented low resistance, indicating high potency of efinaconazole for treatment of superficial fungal infections.ConclusionEfinaconazole could be a comparable alternative to replace existing conventional agents.
Arabidopsis HSP70‐16 is required for flower opening under normal or mild heat stress temperatures
Authors: Chen Xu , Shi Lei , Chen Yuqin , Zhu Lu , Zhang Dasheng , Xiao Shi , Aharoni Asaph , Shi Jianxin , Xu Jie 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSepals play important roles in protecting inner floral organs from various stresses and in guaranteeing timely flower opening. However, the exact role of sepals in coordinating interior and exterior signals remains elusive. In this study, we functionally characterized a heat shock protein gene, Arabidopsis HSP70‐16, in flower opening and mild heat stress response, using combined genetics with anatomic, physiological, chemical, and molecular analyses. We showed that HSP70‐16 is required for flower opening and mild heat response. Mutation of HSP70‐16 led to a significant reduction in seed setting rate under 22°C, which was more severe at 27°C. Mutation of HSP70‐16 also caused postgenital fusion at overlapping tips of two lateral sepals, leading to failed flower opening, abnormal floral organ formation, and impaired fertilization and seed setting. Chemical and anatomic analyses confirmed specific chemical and morphological changes of cuticle property in mutant lateral sepals, and qRT‐PCR data indicated that expression levels of different sets of cuticle regulatory and biosynthetic genes were altered in mutants grown at both 22°C and 27°C temperatures. This study provides a link between thermal and developmental perception signals and expands the understanding of the roles of sepal in plant development and heat response.