bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nocturnal enuresis impaired children's quality of life and friendships
Authors: Jönson Ring Ingrid , Nevéus Tryggve , Markström Agneta , Arnrup Kristina , Bazargani Farhan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimThere have not been any continence‐specific measurement tools in Swedish that have allowed clinicians to investigate the quality of life (QoL) in children with bladder dysfunction. This study evaluated the QoL in Swedish children with nocturnal enuresis and tested the reliability of a Swedish translation of the Paediatric Incontinence Questionnaire (PinQ).MethodsThis prospective study comprised 46 children aged six to 18 years with nocturnal enuresis, who completed the PinQ after it was translated into Swedish. It was completed twice by 33 patients, and these responses were included in the test–retest evaluation.ResultsThe self‐reported mean sum score for the whole group was 26.3 ± 13.37 (range: 5‐58), and the most affected domains were social relations with peers and self‐esteem. The highest individual scores were four, three or two for 71.7%, 17.4% and 10.9% of the study population, respectively. Cronbach's alpha was 0.87 for the whole questionnaire, indicating good internal consistency. The test–retest stability was excellent, with an intra‐class correlation coefficient of 0.76.ConclusionChildren with nocturnal enuresis had impaired self‐esteem, and their impaired QoL affected their relationships with friends. The Swedish version of the PinQ proved to be a reliable tool that will be used in further studies.
Likelihood of cesarean delivery after applying leading active labor diagnostic guidelines
Authors: Neal Jeremy L. , Lowe Nancy K. , Phillippi Julia C. , Ryan Sharon L. , Knupp Amy M. , Dietrich Mary S. , Thung Stephen F. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundFriedman, the United Kingdom's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists/Society for Maternal‐Fetal Medicine (ACOG/SMFM) support different active labor diagnostic guidelines. Our aims were to compare likelihoods for cesarean delivery among women admitted before vs in active labor by diagnostic guideline (within‐guideline comparisons) and between women admitted in active labor per one or more of the guidelines (between‐guideline comparisons).DesignActive labor diagnostic guidelines were retrospectively applied to cervical examination data from nulliparous women with spontaneous labor onset (n = 2573). Generalized linear models were used to determine outcome likelihoods within‐ and between‐guideline groups.ResultsAt admission, 15.7%, 48.3%, and 10.1% of nulliparous women were in active labor per Friedman, NICE, and ACOG/SMFM diagnostic guidelines, respectively. Cesarean delivery was more likely among women admitted before vs in active labor per the Friedman (AOR 1.75 [95% CI 1.08‐2.82] or NICE guideline (AOR 2.55 [95% CI 1.84‐3.53]). Between guidelines, cesarean delivery was less likely among women admitted in active labor per the NICE guideline, as compared with the ACOG/SMFM guideline (AOR 0.55 [95% CI 0.35‐0.88]).ConclusionMany nulliparous women are admitted to the hospital before active labor onset. These women are significantly more likely to have a cesarean delivery. Diagnosing active labor before admission or before intervention to speed labor may be one component of a multi‐faceted approach to decreasing the primary cesarean rate in the United States. The NICE diagnostic guideline is more inclusive than Friedman or ACOG/SMFM guidelines and its use may be the most clinically useful for safely lowering cesarean rates.
Phenolic 1,3‐diketones attenuate lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory response by an alternative magnesium‐mediated mechanism
Authors: Zusso Morena , Mercanti Giulia , Belluti Federica , Di Martino Rita Maria Concetta , Pagetta Andrea , Marinelli Carla , Brun Paola , Ragazzi Eugenio , Lo Rita , Stifani Stefano , Giusti Pietro , Moro Stefano 
Published: February 2017

Background and PurposeToll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a key role in the induction of inflammatory responses both in peripheral organs and the CNS. Curcumin exerts anti‐inflammatory functions by interfering with LPS‐induced dimerization of TLR4–myeloid differentiation protein‐2 (MD‐2) complex and suppressing pro‐inflammatory mediator release. However, the inhibitory mechanism of curcumin remains to be defined.Experimental ApproachBinding of bis‐demethoxycurcumin (GG6) and its cyclized pyrazole analogue (GG9), lacking the 1,3‐dicarbonyl function, to TLR4–MD‐2 was determined using molecular docking simulations. The effects of these compounds on cytokine release and NF‐κB activation were examined by ELISA and fluorescence staining in LPS‐stimulated primary microglia. Interference with TLR4 dimerization was assessed by immunoprecipitation in Ba/F3 cells.Key ResultsBoth curcumin analogues bound to the hydrophobic region of the MD‐2 pocket. However, only curcumin andGG6, both possessing the 1,3‐diketone moiety, inhibited LPS‐induced TLR4 dimerization, activation of NF‐κB and secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in primary microglia. Consistent with the ability of 1,3‐diketones to coordinate divalent metal ions, LPS stimulation in a low magnesium environment decreased pro‐inflammatory cytokine release and NF‐κB p65 nuclear translocation in microglia and decreased TLR4–MD‐2 dimerization in Ba/F3 cells. Curcumin andGG6also significantly reduced cytokine output in contrast to the pyrazole analogueGG9.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese results indicate that phenolic 1,3‐diketones, with a structural motif able to coordinate magnesium ions, can modulate LPS‐mediated TLR4–MD‐2 signalling. Taken together, these studies identify a previously uncharacterized mechanism involving magnesium, underlying the inflammatory responses to LPS.
The effect of tonsillectomy on the morbidity from recurrent tonsillitis
Authors: Douglas C.M. , Lang K. , Whitmer W.M. , Wilson J.A. , Mackenzie K. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundTonsillitis is a common condition with an incidence in UK general practice of 37 per 1000 population a year.1 Recurrent tonsillitis results in significant morbidity and impacts on individuals’ quality of life. This study assesses the morbidity and quality of life of adults with recurrent tonsillitis, and the impact of surgical intervention on their health state.ObjectivesTo describe disease‐specific and global quality of life for adults with recurrent tonsillitis 6 months after tonsillectomy, using two instruments: the health impact of throat problems (HITP) and EuroQol‐visual analogue scale questionnaire. To assess the overall health benefit from tonsillectomy as an intervention using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI). To assess potential predictors of tonsillectomy benefit.DesignA prospective, observational cohort audit of patients who have fulfilled Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) criteria for tonsillectomy.2SettingSecondary care, teaching hospital.ParticipantsSeventy patients (57 female), median age 20 years (range 13‐41).ResultsMedian preoperative HITP was 47 (range 15‐67), compared to 4 (0‐72), (P<.001) 6 months following surgery. Median HITP difference was 39.5 (range −20 to 75). There was no significant change in global Quality of Life. Median overall 6 months GBI was 39 (−3 to 100). Patients had an average of 27 episodes of tonsillitis over a period of seven years before “achieving” tonsillectomy, significantly higher than the SIGN guidelines of three or more episodes over three years.ConclusionsRecurrent tonsillitis causes a poor disease‐specific quality of life. Patients experienced a median of three episodes per year for seven years before tonsillectomy. Following tonsillectomy, patients had a significant improvement in their disease‐specific quality of life. Baseline HITP significantly improved after tonsillectomy. The results imply patients with recurrent acute tonsillitis may be experiencing undue delay
Healthcare costs of Type 2 diabetes in Germany
Authors: Jacobs E. , Hoyer A. , Brinks R. , Icks A. , Kuß O. , Rathmann W. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimTo describe for the first time the direct costs of Type 2 diabetes treatment by analysing nationwide routine data from statutory health insurance in Germany.MethodsThis cost‐of‐illness‐study was based on a 6.8% random sample of all German people with statutory health insurance (4.3 out of 70 million people). The healthcare expenses show direct per capita costs from the payer perspective. Healthcare expenses for physicians, dentists, pharmacies, hospitals, sick benefits and other healthcare costs were considered. Per capita costs, cost ratios for people with Type 2 diabetes and without diabetes as well as diabetes‐attributable costs were calculated.ResultsPer capita costs for people with Type 2 diabetes amounted to €4,957 in 2009 and €5,146 in 2010. People with Type 2 diabetes had 1.7‐fold higher health expenses than people without diabetes. The largest differences in health expenses were found for prescribed medication from pharmacies (cost ratio diabetes/no diabetes: 2.2) and inpatient treatment (1.8). Ten percent of the total statutory health insurance expense, in total €16.1 billion, was attributable to the medical care of people with Type 2 diabetes.ConclusionsThis nationwide study indicates that one in 10 Euros of healthcare expenses is spent on people with Type 2 diabetes in Germany. In the future, national statutory health insurance data can be used to quantify time trends of costs in the healthcare system.
MONEY AND PRODUCT QUALITY UNDER ASYMMETRIC INFORMATION
Authors: Peng Tao 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis article examines the effects of money on product quality, as well as the price pattern of heterogeneous quality goods, in a search‐theoretical monetary model with divisible money and divisible commodities. We establish the existence and uniqueness/multiplicity of monetary equilibrium in several different cases. The steady‐state equilibrium of our model displays several properties that are absent or distinct from those of previous studies. In particular, we find that under egalitarian bargaining, the Friedman rule cannot achieve socially efficient allocation due to asymmetric information. We find that the price of informed high‐quality goods is higher than the price of uninformed quality goods. We also find that an increase in inflation can improve product quality. (JEL E40)
Dual Function of Chip Calls Depending on Changing Call Rate Related to Risk Level in Territorial Pairs of White‐Eared Ground‐Sparrows
Authors: Méndez Carolina , Sandoval Luis 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDifferent mechanisms have been proposed for encoding information into vocalizations: variation of frequency or temporal characteristics, variation in the rate of vocalization production, and use of different vocalization types. We analyze the effect of rate variation on the dual function of chip calls (contact and alarm) produced by White‐eared Ground‐sparrows (Melozone leucotis). We conducted an acoustic playback experiment where we played back 1 min of four chip call rates (12, 36, 60, 84 calls/min). We measured the response of territorial pairs using behavioral responses, and fine structural features of calls produced in response to those playbacks. White‐eared Ground‐sparrows showed more intense behavioral responses to higher than lower call rate playbacks. Both individuals of the pair approached the source of the playback stimulus faster, produced the first vocalization faster, produced more vocalizations, and spent more time close to the stimulus in higher call rate than in lower call rate playbacks. Frequency and duration characteristics of calls (chip and tseet) were similar in response to all call rate playbacks. Our playback experiment elicited different intensity of behavioral responses, suggesting that risk‐based information is encoded in call rate. Our results suggest that variation in the rate of chip call production serves a dual function in this species; calls are used at lower rates for pair contact and at higher rates for alarm/mobbing signals.
Male and Female Soldier Beetles Relax Choice for Mate Quality Across Daily Courtship Periods
Authors: Pratt Ann E. , Shure Donald J. , McLain Denson K. , Banderet Katrina 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMutual mate choice occurs when members of each sex will reject some potential mates in efforts to encounter better prospects later. The decision to reject may represent the interaction between mate preferences, mate availability, and temporal constraints. Theory predicts that mutual mate choice will favor relaxed choosiness as mate availability and time for courtship decline. We explored mutual mate choice in the soldier beetle, Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Cantharidae), where courtship consisted of males attempting to secure evasive females. We employed field observations, laboratory experiments, and stochastic simulations to investigate the decline in choosiness over the daily courtship period, during which individuals can mate at most once. We found that reproductive success of males and females increases with mate size and mating frequency. Females biased copulations toward larger mates by attempting to evade suitors, while males biased copulations by releasing the smaller females they capture. However, late in the day males and females may increase reproductive success by accepting rather than rejecting lower quality mates to maintain high mating rates. Stochastic simulations indicated that reproductive success, the product of mating frequency and mean mate size, was maximized in males and females by incrementally reducing mate standards across daily courtship periods. In the field, large males who rejected small females early in the daily courtship period rarely did so later. Large females used less effective evasive maneuvers later in the courtship period, resulting in copulations with progressively smaller males. These results support models of mutual mate choice that predict that individuals of high quality will maximize reproductive success by relaxing choosiness as the courtship period wanes.
Visual Discrimination of Kin in Mandrills
Authors: Charpentier Marie J. E. , Harté Mélanie , Ngoubangoye Barthélémy , Herbert Anais , Kappeler Peter M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPhenotype matching, a learning mechanism that evolved based on phenotypic cues shared among relatives, may provide animals with the ability to recognize unfamiliar kin. The generalization of this mechanism across animal species is debated, however, because appropriate tests are difficult to design due to possible confounding effects of familiarity. Hence, only a few studies have examined evidence for the existence of such a mechanism in natural populations. Here, we tested the phenotype matching hypothesis based on visual cues in a semi‐free‐ranging population of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) that contains individuals related to different degrees and where familiarity is controlled for. Using an experimental design based on the presentation of photographs, we show that mandrills discriminate unfamiliar relatives using facial cues alone. Our results build on earlier studies, showing that primates use phenotype matching to recognize and subsequently discriminate unfamiliar kin. We suggest that facial features along with other visual and non‐visual cues provide a proximate mechanism for kin selection to operate.
Sarcopenia predicts minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Hanai Tatsunori , Shiraki Makoto , Watanabe Satoshi , Kochi Takahiro , Imai Kenji , Suetsugu Atsushi , Takai Koji , Moriwaki Hisataka , Shimizu Masahito 
Published: February 2017

AimMinimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and sarcopenia impair the health‐related quality of life and prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis; however, the relationship between MHE and sarcopenia remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate their relationship and to identify the predictors of MHE in cirrhotic patients.MethodsThis retrospective study evaluated 120 cirrhotic patients who were tested for MHE and sarcopenia. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy was diagnosed by using the computer‐aided neuropsychiatric test. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the assessment criteria recommended by the Japan Society of Hepatology. Muscle mass and muscle strength were measured by using bio‐impedance analysis and digital grip strength dynamometer. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify the predictors of MHE.ResultsOf the 120 cirrhotic patients, 28 (23%) and 32 (27%) were diagnosed with MHE and sarcopenia, respectively. The prevalence of MHE was higher in patients with sarcopenia than in those without sarcopenia (P = 0.01). By the univariate analysis, MHE was significantly complicated with sarcopenia (P < 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, sarcopenia (odds ratio = 3.31, 95% confidence interval = 1.19–9.42; P = 0.02) and serum branched‐chain amino acids levels <327 nmol/mL (odds ratio = 2.98, 95% confidence interval = 1.08–8.34; P = 0.03) were found to be associated with MHE.ConclusionsSarcopenia and serum branched‐chain amino acids levels were predictors of MHE. The amelioration of sarcopenia and/or amino acids imbalance may improve MHE in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the efficacy of epidermal grafting for wound healing
Authors: Kanapathy Muholan , Smith Oliver J , Hachach‐Haram Nadine , Bystrzonowski Nicola , Mosahebi Afshin , Richards Toby 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAutologous skin grafting is an important method for wound coverage; however, it is an invasive procedure and can cause donor site morbidity. Epidermal grafting (EG) enables epidermal transfer to wounds with minimal donor site morbidity. However, data to date have been heterogeneous. This study aims to synthesise the current evidence on EG for wound healing to establish the efficacy of this surgical technique. A comprehensive search in the MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases was conducted. The endpoints assessed were proportion of wounds healed and mean wound‐healing time. This systematic review was conducted and reported according to the Meta‐Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. We identified 1568 articles, of which seven articles were included in this review – a total of 209 wounds in 190 patients. The mean wound duration was 17·06 weeks (95% CI 8·57–25·55). Of these, 71·5% (95% CI 56·7–84·2) of the wounds achieved complete healing. Mean time for complete wound healing was 5·53 weeks (95% CI 3·18–7·88). The mean donor site healing time was 7·48 days (95% CI 4·83–10·13), with no reported donor site morbidity. The current data are small and lack level 1 evidence.
Survey for Zoonotic Microsporidian Pathogens in Wild Living Urban Rooks (Corvus frugilegus)
Authors: Perec‐Matysiak Agnieszka , Wesołowska Maria , Leśniańska Kinga , Buńkowska‐Gawlik Katarzyna , Hildebrand Joanna , Kicia Marta 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMicrosporidia are opportunistic pathogens in nature infecting all animal phyla. There is a potential risk of microsporidian spores transmission from urban rooks inhabiting some metropolitan cities to people through casual interactions. The aim of this study was to identify microsporidia species in the droppings of rooks in Wroclaw, Poland. A total of 15 collective sets of droppings were examined using nested‐PCR method. Amplification of ITS rRNA gene revealed the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi D, Peru 6, and Encephalitozoon hellem 1A genotypes. This study indicates that excreta of urban rooks can be an important source of human infection with these pathogens.
Moisture‐dependent physical properties of Tacca involucrata tubers
Authors: Ahemen S. A. , Raji A. O. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTacca involucrata Schum. and Thonn., a wild and rare plant, popular for its rich natural starch, is increasingly being used for food and medicine and hence needs to be commercialized in production and processing. Processing of its tubers into starch by wet extraction is not yet mechanized due to inadequate data on the physical properties of the crop. This study focused on determining the physical properties in order to obtain data needed for design of processing and storage systems. Physical properties were determined at five levels of moisture content for three‐dimensional classes (big, medium, and small). Geometric mean diameter decreased linearly from 81.53 to 68.69 mm, 68.23 to 56.93 mm, and 51.26 to 41.10 mm for the big, medium, and small tubers, respectively, with decreasing moisture content from 57.9 to 41.8% wb while sphericity of the big, medium, and small tubers, respectively, decreased polynomially from 0.794 to 0.761, 0.814 to 0.789, and 0.831 to 0.801. True density and bulk density however increased polynomially ranging from 1129.79 to 1202.32 kg/m3 and 510.92 to 641.30 kg/m3, respectively. The angle of repose decreased polynomially with same decrease in moisture content from 41.63 ° to 35.98 °, 39.18 ° to 36.86 °, and 38.85 ° to 35.09 ° for big, medium, and small tubers, respectively. The study established that all the properties are dependent on moisture content and followed trends reported for similar agricultural products. The data are useful in machine design for processing and handling and have implications on storage.Practical applicationsTacca involucrata is a wild plant that is used mostly for tubers and its seasonal nature due to noncommercialization is affecting its use for other purposes. This study investigated its properties with varying moisture contents with a view to understand its stability during storage. This will ensure its commercial production, availability for a longer period after harvest and eventual use for wide varieties of other applications.