bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testosterone vs. aromatase inhibitor in older men with low testosterone: effects on cardiometabolic parameters
Authors: Dias J.P. , Shardell M. D. , Carlson O. D. , Melvin D. , Caturegli G. , Ferrucci L. , Chia C. W. , Egan J. M. , Basaria S. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryTestosterone (T) replacement is being increasingly offered to older men with age‐related decline in testosterone levels. The effects of long‐term testosterone replacement and aromatase inhibition (AI) on glucose homeostasis and cardiometabolic markers were determine in older non‐diabetic men with low testosterone levels. Men ≥65 years, mean age 71 ± 3 years with serum total T < 350 ng/dL were randomized in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, proof‐of‐concept trial evaluating the effects of 5 g transdermal testosterone gel (TT) (n = 10), 1 mg anastrozole (n = 10) or placebo (n = 9) daily for 12 months. Homeostatic Model Assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included OGIS in response to OGTT, fasting lipids, C‐reactive protein (CRP), adipokines, and abdominal and mid‐thigh fat by computed tomography. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and 12 months. After 12 months, absolute changes in HOMAIR in both treatment arms (TT group: −0.05 ± 0.21); (AI group: 0.15 ± 0.10) were similar to placebo (−0.11 ± 0.26), as were CRP and fasting lipid levels. Adiponectin levels significantly decreased in the TT group (−1.8 ± 0.9 mg/L, p = 0.02) and abdominal subcutaneous fat (−60.34 ± 3.19 cm2, p = 0.003) and leptin levels (−1.5 ± 1.2 ng/mL, p = 0.04) were significantly lower with AI. Mid‐thigh subcutaneous fat was reduced in both treatment arms (TT group: −4.88 ± 1.24 cm2, p = 0.008); (AI group: −6.05 ± 0.87 cm2, p = 0.0002). In summary, in this proof‐of‐concept trial, changes in HOMAIR AI were similar in all three groups while the effects of intervention on subcutaneous fat distribution and adipokines were variable. Larger efficacy and safety trials are needed before AI pharmacotherapy can be considered as a treatment option for low T levels in older men.
Preperitoneal onlay mesh repair for ventral abdominal wall and incisional hernia: a novel technique
Authors: Yang PC George , Tung LM Karen 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIntroductionIntraperitoneal onlay mesh repair is a current technique for laparoscopic repair of ventral and incisional hernias. However, the placement of synthetic mesh intraperitoneally may potentially lead to mesh‐induced complications such as adhesive intestinal obstruction, enterocutaneous fistula, or even mesh erosion into organs. Inspired by the concept of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, we developed a novel technique: preperitoneal onlay mesh repair (PPOM). This involves placing the mesh in the preperitoneal plane to help eliminate mesh‐induced complications.Material and Surgical TechniqueOur first case of PPOM was performed on a 54‐year‐old woman who developed a complex incisional hernia after multiple abdominal operations. The total size of the hernia defect was 8 × 13 cm. The peritoneal flap was carefully created with synthetic mesh placed on the preperitoneal plane, and then it was completely closed with sutures. The patient had an uneventful recovery except for a small seroma.DiscussionWe herein report the first case of incisional hernia successfully treated by this novel technique, PPOM. We explain the reasons to perform PPOM, the advantages it offers, and why we named this novel technique “PPOM.”
Preoperative colonic cancer tattooing using the near‐infrared fluorescence laparoscopic imaging system
Authors: Ozawa Yoshiaki , Murakami Masahiko , Watanabe Makoto , Yoshizawa Sota , Goto Satoru , Otsuka Koji , Aoki Takeshi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIntroductionTo identify a colorectal cancer tumor site for surgery, preoperative endoscopic marking methods, such as India ink tattooing or clipping, are generally performed. However, India ink tattooing causes problems such as impaired surgical view because of adverse events, ink leakage into the peritoneal cavity, and peritonitis or adhesion ileus as a result of leakage. The clipping method requires checking by palpation, which is unsuitable for laparoscopic surgery.Materials and Surgical TechniquesWe devised a preoperative marking method for colorectal cancer surgery (laparotomy) by applying the fluorescent dye indocyanine green. Herein, we report its usefulness.DiscussionWe report the application of fluorescent dye indocyanine green in laparoscopic surgery.
Pokémon Go: Benefits, Costs, and Lessons for the Conservation Movement
Authors: Dorward Leejiah J. , Mittermeier John C. , Sandbrook Chris , Spooner Fiona 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPokémon Go, an augmented reality (AR) smartphone game, replicates many aspects of real‐world wildlife watching and natural history by allowing players to find, capture, and collect Pokémon, which are effectively virtual animals. In this article, we consider how the unprecedented success of Pokémon Go as a smartphone game might create opportunities and challenges for the conservation movement. By encouraging players to go outside and consider various aspects of virtual species’ biology, the game could increase awareness and engagement with real‐world nature. However, interacting with Pokémon could alternatively encourage exploitation of wildlife or replace players’ desire to interact with real‐world nature. We suggest a number of ways in which Pokémon Go could be adapted to increase its conservation impact, and how new conservation‐orientated AR games could be created. We conclude that Pokémon Go sets a precedent for well‐implemented AR games from which the conservation movement could borrow a number of ideas.
Conservation of marine biodiversity on a very large deep continental margin: how representative is a very large offshore reserve network for deep‐water octocorals?
Authors: Althaus Franziska , Williams Alan , Alderslade Philip , Schlacher Thomas A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimTo evaluate the conservation performance of Australia's continental‐scale network of marine reserves for deep‐water octocorals using three criteria: (1) Representation: what fraction of the sampled deep‐water octocoral fauna within Australia's marine jurisdiction is contained in reserves?; (2) Species turnover: to what degree do reserves share species with non‐protected areas?; and (3) Biodiversity: do existing reserves spatially maximize protection of species richness?LocationAustralia's continental exclusive economic zone and Norfolk Island region.MethodsA new Australia‐wide, taxonomically consistent, dataset for distributions of deep‐water octocorals (> 80 m depth) is used to calculate metrics of reserve performance for Australia's national marine reserve network.ResultsAustralia's reserve network represents 52% (270 of 518 species) of deep‐water octocoral species. Coral representation is roughly proportional to spatial extent of reserves in different regions. The proportion of species with joint distributions in reserves and non‐reserves ranges between 0% and 27% of the regional species pool; this may be a reflection of the high species turnover between sampling sites, and to some extent may also reflect sparse sampling coverage. Sites inside reserves have comparable species richness, contain similar numbers of rare species and do not differ in taxonomic diversity to sites outside reserves.Main conclusionsAustralia's marine reserve network is a significant investment in conservation. The first broad biological evaluation of the network's performance, using deep‐water octocorals, indicates that whilst the level of species representation is broadly proportional to the network's spatial coverage, reserves do not appear to be areas of significantly higher octocoral biodiversity compared to areas outside reserves and that there is low species representation within highly protected (IUCN I or II) zones. Considering constraints on reserve expansion and spatial re‐configuration, ‘off‐reserve’ management tools (e.g. fishery closures, environmentally responsible practices by extractive industries) are likely to be important to enhance overall conservation outcomes.
Low‐dose fenfluramine significantly reduces seizure frequency in Dravet syndrome: a prospective study of a new cohort of patients
Authors: Schoonjans A. , Paelinck B. P. , Marchau F. , Gunning B. , Gammaitoni A. , Galer B. S. , Lagae L. , Ceulemans B. 
Published: October 2016

Background and purposeDravet syndrome (DS) is a severe, drug‐resistant epilepsy. Fenfluramine has been reported to have a long‐term clinically meaningful anticonvulsive effect in patients with DS.MethodsThis prospective, open‐label study assessed the safety and effectiveness of low‐dose fenfluramine in a new cohort of patients with DS. Following a 3‐month baseline period, fenfluramine was added to each patient's current antiepileptic drug regimen at a dose of 0.25–1.0 mg/kg/day (max. 20 mg/day). The incidence of major motor seizures (tonic, clonic, tonic–clonic, atonic and myoclonic seizures lasting >30 s) in both the baseline and treatment periods was assessed via a seizure diary. Periodic echocardiographic examinations during the treatment period were used to assess cardiovascular safety.ResultsNine patients (aged 1.2–29.8 years) enrolled in the study and were treated with fenfluramine for a median duration of 1.5 (range, 0.3–5.1) years. Median frequency of major motor seizures was 15.0/month in the baseline period. All patients demonstrated a reduction in seizure frequency during the treatment period with a median reduction of 75% (range, 28–100%). Seven patients (78%) experienced a ≥50% reduction in major motor seizure frequency. The most common adverse events were somnolence (n = 5) and anorexia (n = 4). No evidence of cardiac valvulopathy or pulmonary hypertension was observed.ConclusionsThe effectiveness and safety of low‐dose fenfluramine as an add‐on therapy for DS in this new prospective cohort supports previous findings.
Development of fatigue cracks from mechanically machined scratches on 2024‐T351 aluminium alloy—part I: experimentation and fractographic analysis
Authors: Cini A , Irving P E 
Published: October 2016

AbstractClad and unclad 2024‐T351 aluminium alloy sheets, weakened by mechanically machined scratches, were fatigued to investigate the effect of small surface damage, like scribe marks, on aircraft fuselage joints. The role of scratch cross section geometry on fatigue life of scribed components was analysed. Scratches between 25 and 185 µm deep, with 5, 25 and 50 µm root radii, were cut on sample surface by using diamond‐tipped tools. After testing, fracture surfaces were examined using a scanning electron microscope, and crack growth rates were measured by striation counting. Scratches reduced aluminium fatigue life under tensile and bending load up to 97.8% due to multiple crack nucleation at their roots. Short cracks nucleated from sharp scratches coalesced to form unique elongated cracks growing through sample thickness. Cracks initiated from scratches were typical short cracks, growing faster than conventional long cracks. Despite the different scribing process, fatigue data of regular diamond tool cut scribes can be used to conservatively predict life reduction owing to ploughed in‐service scribe marks on fuselage joints. Finite element analyses on scribed samples and the fatigue life prediction models are described in Part II of this paper.
Long‐term responses of leaf litter decomposition to temperature, litter quality and litter mixing in plateau wetlands
Authors: Liu Guodong , Sun Jinfang , Tian Kun , Xiao Derong , Yuan Xingzhong 
Published: October 2016

SummaryDecomposition of plant litter is a key process in the flow of energy and nutrients in ecosystems. The extent and mechanisms towards which climate warming will affect litter decomposition in plateau wetlands remains largely unknown.We conducted a two‐year litter decomposition experiment along an elevation gradient from 1891 to 3260 m in China using litter from two dominant species of plateau wetland plants to determine the influences of temperature, litter quality and litter mixing on decomposition.The decomposition rate was significantly correlated with water temperature during the plant growing seasons and with litter quality during the winters. The temperature sensitivity of litter decomposition (Q10) wasc. 3.02 along the elevation gradient, but mixed litter was more sensitive to temperature than the litter of eitherScirpus tabernaemontani(grey club‐rush: Cyperaceae) orZizania caduciflora(wild rice: Gramineae) alone.The concentration of nitrogen (N) and the ratio of N:P (phosphorus) had positive effects but the concentration of carbon (C) and the ratios of C:N and lignin:N had negative effects on the decomposition rate, especially during the winter. In addition, N concentration and the ratio of C:N were more significantly correlated with decomposition rate during the first winter, while the ratio of lignin:N was more significantly correlated with decomposition during the second winter.Consequently, climate warming may significantly impact biogeochemical cycling of plateau wetlands, notably C storage.
Diversity of knockdown resistance alleles in a single house fly population facilitates adaptation to pyrethroid insecticides
Authors: Kasai S. , Sun H. , Scott J. G. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractInsecticide use exerts a tremendous selection force on house fly populations, but the frequencies of the initial resistance mutations may not reach high levels if they have a significant fitness cost in the absence of insecticides. However, with the continued use of the same (or similar) insecticides, it is expected that new mutations (conferring equal or greater resistance, but less of a fitness cost) will evolve. Pyrethroid insecticides target the insect voltage sensitive sodium channel (VSSC) and have been widely used for control of house flies at animal production facilities for more than three decades. There are three Vssc mutations known that cause resistance to pyrethroids in house flies: knockdown resistance (kdr, L1014F), kdr‐his (L1014H) and super‐kdr (M918T + L1014F). Whether or not there are any new mutations in house fly populations has not been examined for decades. We collected house flies from a dairy in Kansas (USA) and selected this population for three generations. We discovered multiple new Vssc alleles, including two that give very high levels of resistance to most pyrethroids. The importance of these findings to understanding the evolution of insecticide resistance, designing appropriate resistance monitoring and management schemes, and the future of pyrethroids for house fly control are discussed.
Democratic Deficits in Europe: The Overlooked Exclusiveness of Nation‐States and the Positive Role of the European Union
Authors: Blatter Joachim , Schmid Samuel D. , Blättler Andrea C. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWith the help of the Immigrant Inclusion Index (IMIX), a quantitative tool for measuring the electoral inclusion of immigrants, we demonstrate that European democracies are much more exclusive than they should be. All normative theories of democracy share the conviction that it is imperative that democracies include long‐term immigrant residents into the demos – either by granting citizenship or by introducing alien voting rights. But even the 20 most established and stable democracies within the EU are far from fully realizing the ideal of ‘universal suffrage’. This is true independently of whether we count in‐ and excluded people in numerical terms, or whether we evaluate the relevant laws and regulations. Therefore, we diagnose a substantial democratic deficit on the level of European nation‐states. By requiring its member states to enfranchise non‐national EU citizens on the local level, the EU, for once, plays a positive role in reducing one of the most fundamental democratic deficits in times of migration.
In‐Office Bleaching During Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Gomes Mauricio Neves , Dutra Hélio , Morais Alexandre , Sgura Ricardo , Devito‐Moraes André Guaraci 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo demonstrate that it is possible to pursue teeth whitening treatment protocols during orthodontic treatment with no esthetic loss.Clinical ConsiderationsMany patients undergoing orthodontic treatment desire to have a straight and well aligned dentition, but also whiter teeth. For many years, it was believed that carrying out a whitening treatment with positioned orthodontic brackets in place would result in localized spots on the enamel labial surfaces of teeth. However, a deeper understanding of the bleaching process suggests that the oxidation caused by products, which results from hydrogen peroxide decomposition, are able to diffuse peripherally into the tooth structure and reach even that under the cemented brackets. Two in‐office‐bleaching treatments were performed in patients using orthodontic fixed braces in two or three 40‐minute sessions using a 35% hydrogen peroxide.ConclusionIn‐office bleaching is possible and effective, even with orthodontic brackets in position. The teeth were successfully bleached despite the presence of brackets. All biological criteria have been fulfilled satisfying patients' expectations of aligned and whitened teeth in less time than if treatments had been performed separately, with satisfactory results and no esthetic loss.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe whitening of teeth is possible during orthodontic treatment with fixed braces without any esthetic loss. The in‐office bleaching treatment with brackets in position also may act as a motivation factor, preventing patient withdrawal or treatment interruption. Therefore, at the end of the orthodontic treatment, the patient is able to display an aligned, functional and whitened smile. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:83–92, 2017)
Malnutrition and Risk of Structural Brain Changes Seen on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Older Adults
Authors: de van der Schueren Marian A. E. , Lonterman‐Monasch Sabine , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Kramer Mark H. , Maier Andrea B. , Muller Majon 
Published: October 2016

ObjectivesTo study the associations between protein energy malnutrition, micronutrient malnutrition, brain atrophy, and cerebrovascular lesions.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingGeriatric outpatient clinic.ParticipantsOlder adults (N = 475; mean age 80 ± 7).MeasurementsNutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and according to serum micronutrient levels (vitamins B1, B6, B12, D; folic acid). White matter hyperintensities (WMHs), global cortical brain atrophy, and medial temporal lobe atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were rated using visual rating scales. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess associations between the three MNA categories (<17, 17–23.5, ≥23.5) and micronutrients (per SD decrease) and WMHs and measures of brain atrophy.ResultsIncluded were 359 participants. Forty‐eight participants (13%) were malnourished (MNA <17), and 197 (55%) were at risk of malnutrition (MNA = 17–23.5). Participants at risk of malnutrition (odds ratio (OR) = 1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–3.71) or who were malnourished (OR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.19–6.60) had a greater probability of having severe WMHs independent of age and sex than those with adequate nutritional status. Results remained significant after further adjustments for cognitive function, depressive symptoms, cardiovascular risk factors, history of cardiovascular disease, smoking and alcohol use, and micronutrient levels. Lower vitamin B1 (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.11–2.08) and B12 (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.02–2.04) levels were also related to greater risk of severe WMHs, independent of age and sex. Results remained significant after additional adjustments. MNA and vitamin levels were not associated with measures of brain atrophy.ConclusionMalnutrition and lower vitamin B1 and B12 levels were independently associated with greater risk of WMHs. Underlying mechanisms need to be further clarified, and whether nutritional interventions can modify these findings also needs to be studied.
Evaluating the Efficacy of a Special Education Advocacy Training Program
Authors: Burke Meghan M. , Goldman Samantha E. , Hart Melanie S. , Hodapp Robert M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIncreasingly, parents are relying on advocates to ensure that children with disabilities receive appropriate educational services. As agencies begin to train advocates to work with families, it is necessary to evaluate the efficacy of such advocacy training programs. This study evaluated the efficacy of the Volunteer Advocacy Project (VAP), a 40‐h training workshop that has been delivered since 2008 to six cohorts live and via webcasts. The aim of the study was to determine whether the VAP increased the knowledge and advocacy skills of its trainees and how trainee and training characteristics related to the effectiveness of the training. This study examined changes from pretest to posttest knowledge and advocacy skills of 90 trainees of the VAP. We also examined interactions between pre/post change and trainee and training characteristics. Participants demonstrated significant gains from pre‐ to posttests in their knowledge of special education and in their advocacy skills. Those participants who partook of the training in latter cohorts and at distance sites showed more progress in special education knowledge. Increases in advocacy skills differed by type of participant: compared to parent participants, professionals demonstrated significantly greater pre/post test increases in advocacy skills. This study has important implications for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
The Pulse Nightclub Shooting: Connecting Militarism, Neoliberalism, and Multiculturalism to Understand Violence
Authors: Kalish Blair Zachary Shane 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe shooting that left 49 people dead and 53 people injured at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida shined an international spotlight on the violent oppression ofLGBTQ+ people. The significant loss of human life, the complex intersections of identity, and the horrific details of the crime brought numerous issues affecting the lives ofLGBTQ+ people into public discourse. This essay contextualizes the narratives surrounding Pulse with a political economic analysis of the massacre, its antecedents, and its aftermaths. Advancing an anthropological perspective, I position the Pulse massacre at the nexus of militarism, neoliberalism, and multiculturalism and offer a critical lens for understanding the policies, practices, and processes imbricated in shooting. Broadly, this involves addressing issues of U.S. capitalist imperialism in the Middle East, neocolonialism in Puerto Rico, and diversity/inclusion in gay space.
Risk of acute coronary syndrome after parathyroidectomy in patients with end‐stage renal disease: A population‐based cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Ma Tsung Liang , Chang Rei Yeuh , Chen Hsuan Ju , Liu Chun Yi , Hsu Chih Cheng , Hsu Yueh Han 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimPatients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) who received parathyroidectomy (PTX) had persistently reduced levels of parathyroid hormone. This study investigated the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with ESRD who underwent PTX using a nationwide health insurance claims database.MethodsOf all ESRD patients, we selected 1047 individuals who had undergone PTX between 2000 and 2008 as the PTX group and 4188 patients who did not undergo PTX (non‐PTX group) matched by propensity score. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted for assessing the excess ACS risk for the PTX group compared to the non‐PTX group.ResultsThe mean follow‐up periods were 4.63 and 4.04 years for the PTX and non‐PTX groups, respectively. A significant reduction in the risk of ACS (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.74, 95% confidence interval = 0.57–0.96) was observed for the ESRD patients after PTX.ConclusionsParathyroidectomy is associated with reduced risk of ACS in patients with ESRD.