bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Choice of underwear and male fecundity in a preconception cohort of couples
Authors: Sapra K. J. , Eisenberg M. L. , Kim S. , Chen Z. , Buck Louis G. M. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryOur objective was to investigate the relationship between male underwear‐type worn during daytime/bedtime and male fecundity as measured by semen quality and time‐to‐pregnancy. We used data from a prospective preconception cohort conducted in 16 counties in Michigan and Texas, USA. 501 couples were enrolled and followed for 12 months of trying, which facilitated capture of time‐to‐pregnancy (in cycles), 6‐cycle conception delay, and 12‐month infertility. Male partners provided semen samples via in‐home collection for next‐day semen analysis comprised of 35 semen quality endpoints. At enrollment, men provided information on type of underwear worn during daytime and bedtime and were classified into 6 categories by underwear choice (n = 491): (i) briefs day/night, (ii) boxer‐briefs day/night, (iii) boxers day/night, (iv) briefs day and boxers/none at night, (v) boxer‐briefs day and boxers/none at night, (vi) boxers day and none at night. 473 (96%) men had semen analysis performed. Men switching from their usual daytime underwear to boxers/none for bed (groups 4, 5, 6) had the most evidence of change in semen quality endpoints (10 of 11 differences) relative to men wearing briefs day/night (group 1). Group 4 men had lower percent of sperm with coiled tail (β = −0.18, 95% CI: −0.35, −0.01), higher percent round (β = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.42), number of immature sperm (β = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.77), and amplitude head displacement (β = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.10, 1.03). Group 5 men had higher sperm head perimeter (β=0.17, 95% CI: 0.002, 0.34), amplitude head displacement (β = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.91), percent cytoplasmic droplet (β = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.77) and high DNA stainability (β=0.39, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.78). After false discovery rate control, no differences remained significant. No significant differences in time‐to‐pregnancy, conception delay, or infertility were observed. In summary, male underwear choice is associated with few differences in semen parameters; no association with time‐to‐pregnancy is observed providing reassurance to couples attempting pregnancy.
A prospective open clinical trial of a proton pump inhibitor, elimination diet and/or budesonide for eosinophilic oesophagitis
Authors: Philpott H. , Nandurkar S. , Royce S. G. , Thien F. , Gibson P. R. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryBackgroundElimination diets and high‐dose proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are advocated as first‐line treatments in patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE).AimTo record the treatment outcome for patients with EoE prospectively managed according to a clinical algorithm.MethodsPatients with oesophageal eosinophilia commenced esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily for 8 weeks. Those in histological remission were re‐classified as PPI‐responsive oesophageal eosinophilia. Nonresponders were offered the 6‐food elimination diet with a PPI, or topical budesonide monotherapy (1 mg orally twice daily as an aqueous gel). Once disease control was achieved remission was reassessed at 3 months (all modalities) and an additional 6 months (diet group).ResultsOf 107 patients who completed 8 weeks of PPI, 25 (23%) were PPI‐responsive. 56 of 81 (69%) of patients with EoE chose the elimination diet with PPI. 29 (52%) had complete remission, 23 completed dietary reintroduction and food triggers were identified in 20 (36%). 25 chose budesonide with 23/25 (92%) responding. Remission was sustained in >85% of patients at 3 months with all treatment modalities. At 9 months, only 10/18 (55%) of patients who responded to the elimination diet with PPI remained complaint and sustained remission.ConclusionsMany patients previously diagnosed with EoE will respond to PPI. Initial response >50% is possible with the elimination diet plus PPI, but many will fail to undergo food reintroduction, or will cease the diet and relapse, resulting in only one in four patient sustaining remission at 9 months. Budesonide is very effective short term, but longer term study is needed.
Emerging Practice in Responsible Supply Chain Management: Closed‐Pipe Supply Chain of Conflict‐Free Minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Taka Miho 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMinerals originated from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are blamed for financing violent conflict in the area over the past decade and have been called conflict minerals. They vividly demonstrate a key human rights issue facing responsible supply chain management. The conflict minerals issue has led to a significant shift in responsible supply chain management in two ways: extending producer responsibility to respect human rights in the total supply chain through establishing traceability and transparency; and developing legally binding supply chain responsibility.This article examines an emerging effort to source conflict‐free minerals using closed‐pipe supply chain in the DRC as a new strategy to respond to the above paradigm shift. By exploring whether this new strategy can contribute to conflict prevention in the DRC, this article argues that the closed‐pipe supply chain allows building long‐term relationship with various stakeholders and has the potential to transform socio‐economic structures in the producing communities, thereby leading to peacebuilding in the long run.
Managing Contradiction: Stockholder and Stakeholder Views of the Firm as Paradoxical Opportunity
Authors: Clark Cynthia E. , Steckler Erica L. , Newell Sue 
Published: March 2016

AbstractStockholder and stakeholder perspectives have been positioned in the literature as being in tension, and thus a potential source of innovation and change. However, researchers have overlooked a systematic examination of this presumption in theory and in practice. This study explores the ways that stockholder and stakeholder assumptions are presented by theorists and compares these with expressions of stockholder and stakeholder perspectives used by firms in practice. We argue that theoretical entrenchment dichotomizing these perspectives has disrupted the ability of researchers to leverage this tension. While scholarship remains trapped in a vicious cycle, we also argue that firms in practice express only the acceptance dimension of a virtuous cycle. Our empirical research demonstrates that firms accept and accommodate the paradoxical tension between managing for stockholders versus balancing the interests of stakeholders. This is evidenced by strategies we identify as book‐ending, cadence, continuous and simultaneous co‐mingling, and hybridization. We find that in practice these tensions are more integrated whereas in theory they are treated as more distinct and, often, in conflict. We suggest ways in which both scholarship and practice can better leverage tension as paradoxical opportunity.
Residential Mortgages and Public Policy: What to do with Fannie and Freddie?
Authors: Kohn David , Sagner James S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe current debate on U.S. housing policy focuses on the role of the government in supporting the mortgage market. Existing organizations (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac) are in conservatorship status, and Congress is considering alternative structures and guarantees including the Johnson‐Crapo bill, to provide catastrophic insurance in support of the coverage from private companies. The resolution of this issue is complicated by the various activities involved in the issue—investment securities, public policy, macroeconomics, accounting, and insurance. This article reviews the impact of these activities on U.S. housing, with a discussion of the feasibility of creating a catastrophic insurance program similar to that of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The federal government has successfully operated catastrophic insurance programs in support of private sector initiatives, and this experience—while certainly not perfect—may be a reasonable approach to the current Fannie/Freddie dilemma.
Neuroinflammation in Synucleinopathies
Authors: Lim Somin , Chun Yewon , Lee Jun Sung , Lee Seung‐Jae 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe causes of most neurodegenerative diseases are attributed to multiple genetic and environmental factors interacting with one another. Above all, inflammation in the nervous system has been implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases. Still, the roles of neuroinflammation in disease mechanisms and the triggers of inflammatory responses in disease‐inflicted brain tissues seem to remain unclear. This review will examine previous studies that had been done from genetic, pathological and epidemiological perspectives. These studies assess the involvement of neuroinflammation in synucleinopathies, a group of neurodegenerative diseases that are characterized by deposition of α‐synuclein aggregates such as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy. The review will also discuss the role of α‐synuclein aggregates in triggering inflammatory responses from glial cells. It is expected that a precise assessment of the roles and mechanisms of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases will pave the way for the development of disease‐modifying drugs.
Exocytosis and Spreading of Normal and Aberrant α‐Synuclein
Authors: Emmanouilidou Evangelia , Vekrellis Kostas 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIt is now established that α‐synuclein can be physiologically secreted to the extracellular space. In this sense, mechanisms that govern the secretion of the protein may be of importance in the initiation and progress of synucleinopathies. It is possible that increased secretion may aid the formation of toxic seeds extracellularly. Alternatively, reduced presence of extracellular α‐synuclein due to impaired secretion may increase the intracellular load and trigger intracellular seeding. Once outside, α‐synuclein can exert various paracrine actions on neighboring cells again by mechanisms that have not been fully elucidated. It has been demonstrated that, when applied extracellularly, α‐synuclein species can induce multiple neurotoxic and inflammatory responses, and aid the transmission of pathology between neurons. Still, the exact mechanism(s) by which secreted α‐synuclein affects the homeostasis of other neurons is still not well understood. A portion of α‐synuclein has been shown to be associated with the surface and lumen of exosomes which can transfer it to the surrounding cells, and potentially trigger seeding. Interestingly, increased exosome release has been linked to pathological situations of lysosomal dysfunction as observed in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the possibility that the observed α‐synuclein pathology spread is attributable to the passive diffusion of the initial injected α‐synuclein strains cannot be excluded. Importantly, most of the studies that have so far addressed the role of extracellular α‐synuclein have not employed naturally secreted forms of the protein. It is plausible that deregulation in the normal processing of secreted α‐synuclein may aid the formation of “toxic” species and as such it may also be a causative risk factor for PD. In this capacity, elucidation of the underlying mechanisms that regulate the protein‐levels of extracellular α‐synuclein becomes essential. Such mechanisms could involve its proteolytic clearance from the extracellular milieu.
NETosis-associated serum biomarkers are reduced in type 1 diabetes in association with neutrophil count
Authors: Qin J , Fu S , Speake C , Greenbaum C J , Odegard J M 
Published: March 2016

Summary
As the immune pathways involved in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) are not fully understood, biomarkers implicating novel mechanisms of disease are of great interest and call for independent evaluation. Recently, it was reported that individuals with T1D display dramatic elevations in circulating components of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), indicating a potential role for NETosis in T1D. Our aim was to evaluate further the potential of NET-associated proteins as novel circulating biomarkers in T1D. We tested serum from subjects with T1D (n = 44) with a median age of 26·5 years and a median duration of 2·2 years, along with 38 age-matched controls. T1D subjects did not show elevations in either neutrophil elastase (NE) or proteinase 3 (PR3), as reported previously. In fact, both NE and PR3 levels were reduced significantly in T1D subjects, particularly in subjects within 3 years of diagnosis, consistent with the known reduction in neutrophil counts in recent-onset T1D. Indeed, levels of both NE and PR3 correlated with absolute neutrophil counts. Therefore, while not ruling out potential local or transient spikes in NETosis activity, the levels of these serum markers do not support a role for systemically elevated NETosis in the T1D population we studied. Rather, a modest reduction in these markers may reflect other important aspects of disease activity associated with reduced neutrophil numbers.
Liothyronine use in a 17 year observational population‐based study ‐ the tears study
Authors: Leese Graham P. , Soto‐Pedre Enrique , Donnelly Louise A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo look at adverse outcomes for patients on liothyronine compared to l‐thyroxine. Some trials have examined the relative merits of liothyronine but none have looked at adverse outcomes in large numbers.Study DesignAn observational study of all patients prescribed thyroid hormone replacement in Tayside Scotland (population 400 000) from 1997 to 2014.PatientsA study group of patients having ever used liothyronine (n = 400) was compared to those who had only used l‐thyroxine (n = 33 955). All patients were followed up until end‐point, death or leaving Tayside.MeasurementsMortality rates and admissions with cardiovascular disease, atrial fibrillation, fractures, breast cancer and mental diseases were compared. Incident use of bisphosphonates, statins, antidepressants and antipsychotics was compared.ResultsCompared to patients only taking l‐thyroxine, those using liothyronine had no increased risk of cardiovascular disease [hazard ratio (HR) 1·04; 95% CI 0·70–1·54], atrial fibrillation (HR 0·91: 0·47–1·75), or fractures (HR 0·79: 0·49–1·27) after adjusting for age. There was no difference in the number of prescriptions for bisphosphonates or statins. There was an increased risk of new prescriptions for antipsychotic medication (HR 2·26: 1·64–3·11 P < 0·0001) which was proportional to the number of liothyronine prescriptions. There was a non‐significant trend towards an increase in breast cancer and new use of antidepressant medications. During follow‐up, median TSH was higher for patients on l‐thyroxine alone (2·08 vs 1·07 mU/L; P < 0·001).ConclusionFor patients taking long‐term liothyronine we did not identify any additional risk of atrial fibrillation, cardiovascular disease or fractures. There was an increased incident use of antipsychotic medication during follow‐up.
Can the follow‐up of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma of low and intermediate risk and excellent response to initial therapy be simplified using second‐generation thyroglobulin assays?
Authors: Rosario Pedro Weslley , Mourão Gabriela Franco , Calsolari Maria Regina 
Published: March 2016

SummaryObjectiveIn view of the low probability of recurrence, the cost‐effective follow‐up of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) of low or intermediate risk and excellent response to initial therapy represents a challenge. This study evaluated the cases of structural recurrence among these patients.PatientsThe sample comprised 578 patients with PTC of low or intermediate risk, who were submitted to total thyroidectomy with or without 131I therapy and exhibited an excellent response to initial therapy defined based on nonstimulated thyroglobulin (Tg) ≤0·2 ng/ml and negative neck ultrasonography (US).ResultsTwelve patients (2%) showed structural recurrence. At the time when recurrence was ‘confirmed’, Tg elevation had not occurred in only two patients, one with lymph node metastases <1 cm detected by US and the other with pulmonary metastases. Antithyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) were undetectable in both patients. The first alteration observed in patients with recurrence was Tg elevation in six patients, Tg elevation associated with suspicious US in three, and suspicious US in two. An increase in TgAb was not the first alteration in any of the patients. Among the 560 patients who continued to have Tg ≤ 0·2 ng/ml, US permitted the detection of only one neck recurrence. Measurement of TgAb did not detect any recurrence.ConclusionOur results confirm that in patients with PTC of low or intermediate risk an excellent response to initial therapy can be defined based on nonstimulated Tg ≤ 0·2 ng/ml. Follow‐up consisting only of clinical examination and periodic measurement of Tg with a second‐generation assay may be sufficient.
Occupational contact allergy to components of polyester resin systems
Authors: Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , Suuronen Katri 
Published: March 2016

SummaryBackgroundAllergic contact dermatitis caused by polyester resin is considered to be rare.ObjectivesTo describe 11 new patients diagnosed with occupational contact allergy to components of polyester resin systems in 1994–2009.MethodsData on occupations, patch test results, symptoms and exposure to polyester products were retrieved from patient files, covering 1994 to February 2015.ResultsFive patients reacted to unsaturated polyester resin putties. In 3 of these cases, putties were considered to be the main cause of the dermatitis. Four patients had cobalt allergy resulting from cobalt salts that were used as accelerators in polyester resins. Three patients were sensitized to triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC), a cross‐linker in polyester powder paints.ConclusionsTwo product types are of particular importance in contact allergy to polyester resin: powder paints cured by heat with TGIC as the cross‐linker, and car putties. Car putties are used not only in repair car painting, but also in some industrial trades to smoothen surfaces before painting. As commercial patch test substances of polyester resin putties are lacking, patients' own products need to be tested. Cobalt salts are used in several types of polyester resin product as accelerators, and these must be considered as a possible cause of cobalt sensitization.
Future land use threats to range‐restricted fish species in the United States
Authors: Januchowski‐Hartley Stephanie R. , Holtz Lauren A. , Martinuzzi Sebastian , McIntyre Peter B. , Radeloff Volker C. , Pracheil Brenda M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimLand use change is one major threat to freshwater biodiversity, and land use change scenarios can help to assess threats from future land use change, thereby guiding proactive conservation decisions. Our goal was to identify which range‐restricted freshwater fish species are most likely to be affected by land use change and to determine where threats to these species from future land use change in the conterminous United States are most pronounced.LocationUnited States of America.MethodsWe focused on range‐restricted freshwater fish species, identified which of these species are considered threatened based on either the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s Red List or the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and compared their distributions to patterns of future land use changes by 2051 under three scenarios.ResultsWe found that 14% of the range‐restricted species had >30% of their distribution area occupied by intensive land use in 2001, and this number increased from 27 to 58% by 2051 depending on the land use scenario. Among the 57 species most likely to be strongly affected by intensive land use, only 26% of these species are currently listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List, and 12% are listed as threatened under the ESA.Main conclusionsOur approach demonstrates the value of considering future land use change scenarios in extinction risk assessment frameworks and offers guidelines for how this could be achieved for future assessments.
Correlates of psychological care strategies for people with diabetes in the second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2™) study
Authors: Holt R. I. G. , Nicolucci A. , Kovacs Burns K. , Lucisano G. , Skovlund S. E. , Forbes A. , Kalra S. , Menéndez Torre E. , Munro N. , Peyrot M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimsTo assess the ways in which healthcare professionals address psychological problems of adults with diabetes in the second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2™) study.MethodsApproximately 120 primary care physicians, 80 diabetes specialists and 80 nurses and dietitians providing diabetes care participated in each of 17 countries (N=4785). Multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate independent statistically significant associations of respondent attributes concerning psychological care strategies, including assessment of diabetes impact on the patient's life, assessment of depression, provision of psychological assessment and support, and coordination with mental health professionals.ResultsPsychological care strategies were positively associated with each other but differed by healthcare practice site and discipline; nurses and dietitians were less likely to assess depression than other healthcare professionals, while primary care physicians were less likely to coordinate with mental health specialists or ask patients how diabetes affects their lives. Psychological care was positively associated with healthcare professionals' beliefs that patients need help dealing with emotional issues and that clinical success depends on doing so, and also with level of psychological care training, multidisciplinary team membership and availability of resources for psychological care. There were significant between‐country variations in psychological care strategies, before and after adjustment for individual‐level factors, and significant country‐by‐covariate interactions for almost all individual‐level factors investigated.ConclusionsImprovements in training and resources, recognition and assessment of psychological problems, and increased belief in the efficacy of psychological support may enhance healthcare professionals' efforts to address psychological problems in adults with diabetes.
Glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78) binds directly to PIP3 phosphatase SKIP and determines its localization
Authors: Ijuin Takeshi , Hatano Naoya , Takenawa Tadaomi 
Published: March 2016

Skeletal muscle and kidney‐enriched inositol polyphosphate phosphatase (SKIP), a PIP3 phosphatase, has been implicated in the regulation of insulin signaling in skeletal muscle. SKIP interacts with Pak1 and glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78), both of which are necessary for the regulation of insulin signaling. In this study, we showed that GRP78 directly binds to the SKIP C‐terminal homology (SKICH) domain of SKIP and that this binding is necessary for the localization of SKIP at the ER. In addition, in vitro binding analysis showed that GRP78 and Pak1 competitively bind to SKIP. Taken together, these findings suggest a model by which GRP78 regulates intracellular localization of SKIP and how SKIP binds to Pak1 on insulin stimulation.