bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics, Clinical Efficacy, Safety Profile, and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients Receiving Subcutaneous Testosterone Pellets 900 mg for Treatment of Symptoms Associated with Androgen Deficiency
Authors: McMahon Chris G. , Shusterman Neil , Cohen Brian 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Background
Implantation of testosterone doses of at least 150 to 450 mg (ie, two to six pellets) is common clinical practice despite a lack of prospective data.

Aim
To evaluate pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety, and patient-reported outcomes in men with androgen deficiency who received implantation of testosterone pellets (900 mg) in an open-label study.

Methods
Men with androgen deficiency (serum testosterone &lt; 300 ng/dL [10.4 nmol/L]) were screened and received 12 testosterone pellets (900 mg). Serum hormone measurements (total and free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol) were obtained on days 1, 5, 8, 15, 29, 57, 85, and 113. All hormones were assayed using validated liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry.

Outcomes
Pharmacokinetics of selected hormones was determined. The patient-reported International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D), and Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (qADAM) questionnaires also were performed. Patients rated their satisfaction on a scale from 1 (very satisfied) to 5 (very dissatisfied). Adverse events were monitored throughout.

Results
Fifteen patients were included (mean age = 54.5 years, SD = 8.6 years). Mean baseline total testosterone concentration was 241.6 ng/dL (SD = 88.8 ng/dL; mean = 8.4 nmol/L, SD = 3.1 nmol/L). Mean testosterone serum concentrations fluctuated during the first 2 weeks (range = 300–1,000 ng/dL, 10.4–34.7 nmol/L) but remained higher than or equal to 300 ng/dL (10.4 nmol/L) through day 113. Concentrations of free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol mirrored that of total testosterone. Male functioning (IIEF score), depression (CES-D total score), and androgen-deficiency symptoms (qADAM total score) improved from baseline. Most patients were “very satisfied” (40.0%) or “quite satisfied” (26.7%) with treatment. Testosterone pellets were well tolerated. Pellet extrusion and polycythemia occurred in one patient each.

Clinical Implications
Implantation of high doses (900 mg) of testosterone pellets are generally well tolerated and could provide clinical benefit for some patients.

Strengths and Limitations
This study provides standardized data for the implantation of 12 testosterone pellets. However, the open-label uncontrolled design of this study and its small and ethnically non-diverse patient population limit the interpretation of these data, particularly the patient-reported outcomes.

Conclusion
Implantation of 12 testosterone pellets (900 mg) was well tolerated and provided adequate and sustained serum testosterone concentrations. Additional randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety findings.
Male Sexual Function in New Zealand: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Survey of the Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction in Men Aged 40–70 Years
Authors: Quilter Merrin , Hodges Lynette , von Hurst Pamela , Borman Barry , Coad Jane 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Background
Sexual function declines with age and erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition worldwide; however, prevalence rates vary markedly between populations and reliable data specific to New Zealand (NZ) are lacking.

Aim
To assess the prevalence of ED in NZ men using a population-based cross-sectional survey.

Methods
Postal questionnaires were sent, according to a modified Dillman method, to a randomly selected age-stratified population-based sample of 2,000 men 40 to 70 years old obtained from the electoral roll. Self-reported erectile function was assessed using the five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and the single-question self-assessment tool.

Outcomes
The prevalence of ED is presented as crude, age-adjusted to the distribution of the NZ population, and standardized to the World Health Organization World Standard Population (WSP). Associations between sexual function and age were analyzed using χ2 test.

Results
The response rate was 30% (599) and 28% (562) were complete for analysis. The crude prevalence of ED was 42% (22% mild, 10% mild to moderate, 6% moderate, and 4% severe), the age-adjusted prevalence was 38%, and the WSP-adjusted prevalence was 37%. Among men reporting ED, 16% were medically diagnosed and 22% were treated. ED affected 24% of men in their 40s, 38% in their 50s, and 60% in their 60s (P &lt; .001). Age was associated with a significant increase in diagnosed ED (P = .001), treated ED (P = .006), dissatisfaction with current sexual function (P &lt; .001), associated anxiety or depression (P = .023), and a decrease in sexual activity (P &lt; .001).

Clinical Translation
Approximately one in three NZ men 40 to 70 years old might have ED. Although comparable to overseas populations, this prevalence is high.

Strengths and Limitations
This study provides the most reliable, comprehensive, and current information on ED and its risk factors in NZ men. Strengths include the large sample, the use of random selection from a population-based sampling frame, established effective survey methods, and the validated IIEF-5. Limitations include the inability of cross-sectional data to determine causation, non-sampling errors associated with the population-based sampling frame, the low response rate, the inability to assess non-respondents, the possibility of men with ED who were sexually inactive not responding or not completing the IIEF-5, and the inherent inability to rule out recall bias.

Conclusion
ED is a marker of subclinical cardiovascular disease. The high prevalence and low levels of diagnosis and treatment indicate a lost opportunity for timely intervention to delay or prevent the progression toward clinical disease.
A 12-week intervention with protein-enriched foods and drinks improved protein intake but not physical performance of older patients during the first 6 months after hospital release: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Beelen Janne , de Roos Nicole M. , de Groot Lisette C. P. G. M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDuring and after hospitalisation, older adults are recommended to consume 1·2–1·5 g of protein/kg body weight per d (g/kg per d) to improve recovery. This randomised controlled trial studied the effectiveness of a 12-week intervention with protein-enriched foods and drinks by following-up seventy-five older patients (mean age: 76·8 (sd 6·9) years) during their first 6 months after hospital discharge. Primary outcomes were protein intake and physical performance (measured with Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)). Secondary outcomes for physical recovery were gait speed, chair-rise time, leg-extension strength, hand-grip strength, body weight, nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment), independence in activities of daily living (ADL) and physical activity. The intervention group consumed more protein during the 12-week intervention period compared with the control group (P<0·01): 112 (sd 34) g/d (1·5 (sd 0·6) g/kg per d) v. 78 (sd 18) g/d (1·0 (sd 0·4) g/kg per d). SPPB total score, gait speed, chair-rise time, body weight and nutritional status improved at week 12 compared with baseline (time effect P<0·05), but were not different between groups. Leg-extension strength, hand-grip strength and independence in ADL did not change. In conclusion, protein-enriched products enabled older adults to increase their protein intake to levels that are higher than their required intake. In these older adults with already adequate protein intakes and limited physical activity, protein enrichment did not enhance physical recovery in the first 6 months after hospital discharge.
Clinical performance of the near-infrared imaging system VistaCam iX Proxi for detection of approximal enamel lesions
Authors: Jablonski-Momeni Anahita , Jablonski Boris , Lippe Nikola 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Objectives/Aims:
Apart from the visual detection of caries, X-rays can be taken for detection of approximal lesions. The Proxi head of VistaCam iX intraoral camera system uses near-infrared light (NIR) to enable caries detection in approximal surfaces. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the NIR for the detection of approximal enamel lesions by comparison with radiographic findings.

Materials and methods:
One hundred ninety-three approximal surfaces from 18 patients were examined visually and using digital radiographs for presence or absence of enamel lesions. Then digital images of each surface were produced using the near-infrared light. Correlation between methods was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rs). Agreement between radiographic and NIR findings was calculated using the kappa coefficient. McNemar’s test was used to analyse differences between the radiographic and NIR findings (α=0.05).

Results:
Moderate correlation was found between all detection methods (rs=0.33–0.50, P<0.0001). Agreement between the radiographic and NIR findings was moderate (κ=0.50, 95% CI=0.37–0.62) for the distinction between sound surfaces and enamel caries. No significant differences were found between the findings (P=0.07).

Conclusion:
Radiographs and NIR were found to be comparable for the detection of enamel lesions in permanent teeth.
A study on light transmittance through red protective shields modified with different window films
Authors: Nimmanon Vanida , Pachimsawat Praewpat , Khovidhunkit Siribang-on Pibooniyom , Thanathornwong Bhornsawan , Nimmanon Thirayost 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Objectives/Aims:
This study aimed to improve effectiveness of red protective shields in filtering unwanted light using window films.

Materials and Methods:
Red protective shields were modified by placing V-Kool (VK), Scotchtint (ST) or Hüper Optik (HP) window films on both sides. Percentage transmittance (%T) of light with a wavelength of 190–990 nm was determined using a double-beam ultraviolet (UV) and visible spectrophotometer.

Results:
In UV light (190–390 nm) and visible light (430–590 nm) ranges, %T in all modified groups and the control was below 2.5%. An increase in %T was observed at the wavelength of 630 nm, when all the modified shields showed superior effectiveness in light filtration over the control. In the infrared spectrum (700–990 nm), %T in the control was constantly high, ranging from 86 to 91%, compared to %T of 2–38% in all the modified groups, with the application of VK on both sides being the most effective group, followed by a combination of VK and HP.

Conclusion:
This study has introduced an economical and simple, yet highly effective, means of enhancing the efficiency of a red plastic protection shield in filtering unwanted infrared light, thereby additionally providing protection for dental personnel from potential ocular damages.
GroEL actively stimulates folding of the endogenous substrate protein PepQ
Authors: Weaver Jeremy , Jiang Mengqiu , Roth Andrew , Puchalla Jason , Zhang Junjie , Rye Hays S. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMany essential proteins cannot fold without help from chaperonins, like the GroELS system of Escherichia coli. How chaperonins accelerate protein folding remains controversial. Here we test key predictions of both passive and active models of GroELS-stimulated folding, using the endogenous E. coli metalloprotease PepQ. While GroELS increases the folding rate of PepQ by over 15-fold, we demonstrate that slow spontaneous folding of PepQ is not caused by aggregation. Fluorescence measurements suggest that, when folding inside the GroEL-GroES cavity, PepQ populates conformations not observed during spontaneous folding in free solution. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we show that the GroEL C-termini make physical contact with the PepQ folding intermediate and help retain it deep within the GroEL cavity, resulting in reduced compactness of the PepQ monomer. Our findings strongly support an active model of chaperonin-mediated protein folding, where partial unfolding of misfolded intermediates plays a key role.
Genetic stability of Rift Valley fever virus MP-12 vaccine during serial passages in culture cells
Authors: Lokugamage Nandadeva , Ikegami Tetsuro 
Published: June 2017

AbstractRift Valley fever is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease endemic to Africa, which affects both ruminants and humans. Rift Valley fever causes serious damage to the livestock industry and is also a threat to public health. The Rift Valley fever virus has a segmented negative-stranded RNA genome consisting of Large (L)-segment, Medium (M)-segment, and Small (S)-segment. The live-attenuated MP-12 vaccine is immunogenic in livestock and humans, and is conditionally licensed for veterinary use in the US. The MP-12 strain encodes 23 mutations (nine amino acid substitutions) and is attenuated through a combination of mutations in the L-segment, M-segment, and S-segment. Among them, the M-U795C, M-A3564G, and L-G3104A mutations contribute to viral attenuation through the L-segment and M-segment. The M-U795C, M-A3564G, L-U533C, and L-G3750A mutations are also independently responsible for temperature-sensitive phenotype. We hypothesized that a serial passage of the MP-12 vaccine in culture cells causes reversions of the MP-12 genome. The MP-12 vaccine and recombinant rMP12-ΔNSs16/198 were serially passaged 25 times. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the reversion occurred at L-G3750A during passages of MP-12 in Vero or MRC-5 cells. The reversion also occurred at M-A3564G and L-U533C of rMP12-ΔNSs16/198 in Vero cells. Reversion mutations were not found in MP-12 or the variant, rMP12-TOSNSs, in the brains of mice with encephalitis. This study characterized genetic stability of the MP-12 vaccine and the potential risk of reversion mutation at the L-G3750A temperature-sensitive mutation after excessive viral passages in culture cells.
Diabetes during Pregnancy: Influence of Body Mass Index on Composite Morbidity
Authors: O'Neil Dudley Amy , Jenner Zachary , Mendez-Figueroa Hector , Ellis Viviana , Chauhan Suneet 
Published: June 2017

Objective This study aims to compare composite maternal and neonatal morbidities (MM, NM) among pregnant women with diabetes mellitus whose body mass index (BMI) at delivery was < 30 (group 1), 30.0 to 39.9 (group 2), and ≥ 40 kg/m2 (group 3). We hypothesized that increased BMI class at delivery would be associated with worsening maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Methods This is a retrospective cohort study. MM was defined as: chorioamnionitis, wound infection, eclampsia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia admission, third/fourth degree laceration, and/or death. NM was defined as umbilical arterial pH < 7.0, 5 minute Apgar < 4, respiratory distress syndrome, mechanical ventilation, neonatal sepsis, stillbirth, and/or death. Odds ratios were adjusted for possible confounders.
Results MM was noted in 8, 13, and 24% of groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and significantly more common in group 2 versus 1 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.66) and group 3 versus 1 (aOR: 3.06). NM was noted in 7, 8, and 15% of each BMI group, respectively, and differed significantly between group 3 vs. 2 (aOR: 1.77).
Conclusions The increased rate of morbidities between the BMI groups is useful to inform diabetic women and highlights the need for further investigation of diabetes and obesity as comorbidities in pregnancy.
Effectiveness and Safety of an Extended ICU Visitation Model for Delirium Prevention: A Before and After Study*
Authors: Rosa Regis Goulart , Tonietto Tulio Frederico , da Silva Daiana Barbosa , Gutierres Franciele Aparecida , Ascoli Aline Maria , Madeira Laura Cordeiro , Rutzen William , Falavigna Maicon , Robinson Caroline Cabral , Salluh Jorge Ibrain , Cavalcanti Alexandre Biasi , Azevedo Luciano Cesar , Cremonese Rafael Viegas , Haack Tarissa Ribeiro , Eugênio Cláudia Severgnini , Dornelles Aline , Bessel Marina , Teles José Mario Meira , Skrobik Yoanna , Teixeira Cassiano 
Published: June 2017

Objectives:
To evaluate the effect of an extended visitation model compared with a restricted visitation model on the occurrence of delirium among ICU patients.

Design:
Prospective single-center before and after study.

Setting:
Thirty-one–bed medical-surgical ICU.

Patients:
All patients greater than or equal to 18 years old with expected length of stay greater than or equal to 24 hours consecutively admitted to the ICU from May 2015 to November 2015.

Interventions:
Change of visitation policy from a restricted visitation model (4.5 hr/d) to an extended visitation model (12 hr/d).

Measurements and Main Results:
Two hundred eighty-six patients were enrolled (141 restricted visitation model, 145 extended visitation model). The primary outcome was the cumulative incidence of delirium, assessed bid using the confusion assessment method for the ICU. Predefined secondary outcomes included duration of delirium/coma; any ICU-acquired infection; ICU-acquired bloodstream infection, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection; all-cause ICU mortality; and length of ICU stay. The median duration of visits increased from 133 minutes (interquartile range, 97.7–162.0) in restricted visitation model to 245 minutes (interquartile range, 175.0–272.0) in extended visitation model (p < 0.001). Fourteen patients (9.6%) developed delirium in extended visitation model compared with 29 (20.5%) in restricted visitation model (adjusted relative risk, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.26–0.95). In comparison with restricted visitation model patients, extended visitation model patients had shorter length of delirium/coma (1.5 d [interquartile range, 1.0–3.0] vs 3.0 d [interquartile range, 2.5–5.0]; p = 0.03) and ICU stay (3.0 d [interquartile range, 2.0–4.0] vs 4.0 d [interquartile range, 2.0–6.0]; p = 0.04). The rate of ICU-acquired infections and all-cause ICU mortality did not differ significantly between the two study groups.

Conclusions:
In this medical-surgical ICU, an extended visitation model was associated with reduced occurrence of delirium and shorter length of delirium/coma and ICU stay.
The eardrums move when the eyes move: A multisensory effect on the mechanics of hearing
Authors: Gruters K. G. , Murphy D. L. K. , Jenson Cole D. , Smith D. W. , Shera C. A. , Groh J. M. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTInteractions between sensory pathways such as the visual and auditory systems are known to occur in the brain, but where theyfirstoccur is uncertain. Here we show a novel multimodal interaction evident at the eardrum. Ear canal microphone measurements in humans (n=19 ears in 16 subjects) and monkeys (n=5 ears in 3 subjects) performing a saccadic eye movement task to visual targets indicated that the eardrum moves in conjunction with the eye movement. The eardrum motion was oscillatory and began as early as 10 ms before saccade onset in humans or with saccade onset in monkeys. These eardrum movements, which we dub Eye Movement Related Eardrum Oscillations (EMREOs), occurred in the absence of a sound stimulus. The EMREOs’ amplitude and phase depended on the direction and horizontal amplitude of the saccade. They lasted throughout the saccade and well into subsequent periods of steady fixation. We discuss the possibility that the mechanisms underlying EMREOs create eye movement-related binaural cues that may aid the brain in evaluating the relationship between visual and auditory stimulus locations as the eyes move.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe peripheral hearing system contains several motor mechanisms that allow the brain to modify the auditory transduction process. Movements or tensioning of either the middle-ear muscles or the outer hair cells modify eardrum motion, producing sounds that can be detected by a microphone placed in the ear canal (e.g. as otoacoustic emissions). Here, we report a novel form of eardrum motion produced by the brain via these systems -- oscillations synchronized with and covarying with the direction and amplitude of saccades. These observations suggest that a vision-related process modulates the first stage of hearing. In particular, these eye-movement related eardrum oscillations may help the brain connect sights and sounds despite changes in the spatial relationship between the eyes and the ears.
A mannitol/sorbitol receptor stimulates dietary intake inTribolium castaneum
Authors: Takada Tomoyuki , Sato Ryoichi , Kikuta Shingo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPerception of chemical stimuli by insects aids in accepting or rejecting food. Gustatory receptors (Grs) regulating external signals in chemosensory organs have been found in many insects.Tribolium castaneum, a major pest of stored products, possesses over 200Grgenes. An expanded repertoire ofGrgenes appears to be required for diet recognition in generalist feeders; however, it remains unclear whetherT. castaneumrecognizes a suite of chemicals common to many products or whether it is attracted to specific chemicals, and whether its Grs are involved in its feeding behavior. It is difficult to determine the food preference ofT. castaneumbased on its dietary intake due to a lack of appropriate methodology. This study established a novel dietary intake estimation method using gypsum, designated the TribUTE (TriboliumUrges To Eat) assay.T. castaneumadults were fed gypsum block without added organic compounds. Sugar preference was determined by adding sweeteners and measuring the amount of gypsum in the excreta. Mannitol was the strongest attractant ofT. castaneumdietary intake; in addition, TcGr20 was responsible for mannitol and sorbitol responses inXenopusoocyte expression, but did not respond to any other non-volatile compounds tested. The EC50values of TcGr20 for mannitol and sorbitol were 72.6 mM and 90.6 mM, respectively, suggesting that TcGr20 is a feasible receptor for the recognition of mannitol in lower concentrations.TcGr20was expressed in the antennae, where the perception of mannitol would occur. We examined whetherTcGr20was involved in mannitol recognition using RNAi and the TribUTE assay. The amounts of excreta inTcGr20dsRNA-injected adults decreased significantly despite the presence of mannitol, compared to that of the control adults. Taken together, our results suggest thatT. castaneumadults recognized mannitol/sorbitol using TcGr20 receptors, thereby facilitating their dietary intake.AbbreviationORFopen reading frameRTreverse transcriptionRNAiRNA interferencedsRNAdouble strand RNAcRNAcapped RNAMBSmodified Barth’s salineCBBCoomassie brilliant blueGrgustatory receptor
GIGGLE: a search engine for large-scale integrated genome analysis
Authors: Layer Ryan M. , Pedersen Brent S. , DiSera Tonya , Marth Gabor T. , Gertz Jason , Quinlan Aaron R. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractGIGGLE is a genomics search engine that identifies and ranks the significance of shared genomic loci between query features and thousands of genome interval files. GIGGLE scales to billions of intervals, is faster (+1,000X) than existing methods, and its speed extends the accessibility and utility of resources such as ENCODE, Roadmap Epigenomics, and GTEX by facilitating data integration and hypothesis generation. GIGGLE is available athttps://github.com/ryanlayer/giggle.