bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alterations in cortical thickness in nonmedicated premature ejaculation patients: A morphometric MRI study
Authors: Guo Fan , Xi Yi‐Bin , Gao Ming , Liu Lin , Fei Ning‐Bo , Qin Wei , Li Chen , Cui Long‐Biao , Yan Fei , Yu Lei , Yuan Jian‐Lin , Yin Hong 
Published: July 2017

PurposePremature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions in men. However, there has been little research evaluating alterations in brain structure related to PE. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of nonmedicated PE patients in terms of brain morphometry.Materials and MethodsThe sample consisted with 32 medication‐naïve adult men with clinical diagnosed PE and matched 31 healthy controls. All participants received diagnostic interviews and 3.0 Tesla MRI scans. Automatic segmentation processing of MRI structure images was performed using FreeSurfer software and cerebral cortical thickness between groups was compared.ResultsThe PE group had thicker cortex in widespread regions, including the frontal, parietal and occipital lobe, and limbic system, compared with the healthy control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the duration is negatively correlated with the mean cortical thickness of the right medial orbitofrontal cortex, right precentral gyrus and left superior frontal cortex (R2 = 0.29, P < 0.003; R2 = 0.163, P < 0.04; R2 = 0.2, P < 0.02), while the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool score is negatively correlated with the mean cortical thickness of the left caudal middle frontal cortex (R2 = 0.33, P < 0.005).ConclusionThe result highlights the structural features of PE and suggests the relationship with the severity of impairment is related to the severity of anatomic abnormality with the relevant brain region. These results support the value of imaging measures as markers for understanding the physiopathology of PE.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:656–662.
Monthly climate variation over Korea in relation to the two types of ENSO evolution
Authors: Yeo Sae‐Rim , Yeh Sang‐Wook , Kim Yoojin , Yim So‐Young 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTThis study documents monthly temperature and precipitation anomalies over Korea during the different phases of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) for the two types of ENSO evolution. The evolution process of ENSO can be classified into two groups based on whether El Niño turns into La Niña in the subsequent year. The first group involves the transition process from El Niño to La Niña, while the second group shows the prolonged El Niño or neutral conditions after the mature phase of El Niño. Because the mid‐latitude atmospheric responses as well as the equatorial heating anomalies for the two groups of ENSO are different each other, the ENSO‐related climate variation over Korea are investigated separately for the two ENSO evolution groups. In particular, this study focuses on the entire monthly evolution of the temperature and precipitation over Korea during the different phases of ENSO. The statistically robust signals can be found in several particular months, which provides statistical basis for predicting monthly climate over Korea. In addition to the observational data analyses, we further investigate the forecast skill of the Asia‐Pacific Economic Cooperation Climate Center (APCC) Multi‐Model Ensemble (MME) in simulating two groups of ENSO evolution and their impacts on Korean climate. The result shows that the MME reasonably predicts the two different evolution of ENSO as in observation but their prediction skills for the ENSO‐related Korean climate are diverse, which largely depends on the phase of ENSO.
Risk patterns, structural characteristics, and organizational configurations
Authors: Renzi Antonio , Sancetta Giuseppe , Orlando Beatrice 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA firm’s structural characteristics are predictive of its risk pattern and attitude toward managing change over time. Idiosyncratic risk has its roots in the firm’s structure. This affects the firm’s volatility compared with the average volatility in the sector. Such characteristics and risk patterns affect the firm’s capability to manage change and capture the value from change.
Investigation of sensory profiles and hedonic drivers of emerging aquaculture fish species
Authors: Alexi Niki , Byrne Derek V , Nanou Evangelia , Grigorakis Kriton 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe aquaculture sector needs to increase the diversity fish species and their processed products to cover rising consumer demands. Candidates for this diversification have been identified to be meagre, greater amberjack, pikeperch and wreckfish. Yet scientific knowledge on their sensory profiles and consumer hedonic responses is scarce. The aim of the current study was to investigate these aspects, since they are essential for product development and market targeting.RESULTSSpecies exhibited different sensory profiles with the exception of the odor/flavor profiles of meagre and greater amberjack, which were similar. Texture was more important than odor/flavor in explaining interspecies differences. Yet the hedonic responses were equally related to texture and odor/flavor. None of the species received negative hedonic scores. Both positive and negative hedonic drivers were identified within the odor/flavor and texture modalities.CONCLUSIONThe distinct profiles of meagre, greater amberjack, pikeperch and wreckfish make these fish species valuable first materials for new product development and for covering markets with different sensory preferences. Differences in fish texture are more easily perceivable, yet small variations in fish odor/flavor can have a great impact on consumers' hedonic responses. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
In vitro characteristics of Lactobacillus spp. strains isolated from the chicken digestive tract and their role in the inhibition of Campylobacter colonization
Authors: Kobierecka Patrycja A. , Wyszyńska Agnieszka K. , Aleksandrzak‐Piekarczyk Tamara , Kuczkowski Maciej , Tuzimek Anna , Piotrowska Wioletta , Górecki Adrian , Adamska Iwona , Wieliczko Alina , Bardowski Jacek , Jagusztyn‐Krynicka Elżbieta K. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCampylobacter jejuni/coli infections are the leading cause of bacterial diarrheal illnesses in humans. Many epidemiological studies indicate that improperly prepared meat from chickens that carry a high load of Campylobacter in their intestinal tracts is the key source of human infections. LAB, mainly members of the Lactococcus and Lactobacillus genera, increasingly have been tested as vehicles for the delivery of heterologous bacterial or viral antigens to animal mucosal immune systems. Thus, the objective of this study was to isolate, identify, and characterize Lactobacillus spp. strains isolated from chickens bred in Poland. Their ability to decrease the level of bird gut colonization by C. jejuni strain was also analyzed. First, the influence of the different chicken rearing systems was evaluated, especially the effect of diets on the Lactobacillus species that colonize the gut of chickens. Next, selected strains were analyzed in terms of their anti‐Campylobacter activity in vitro; potential probiotic traits such as adhesion properties, bile and low pH tolerance; and their ability to grow on a defined carbon source. Given that improperly prepared chicken meat is the main source of human infection by Campylobacter, the selected strains were also assessed for their ability to inhibit Campylobacter colonization in the bird's intestine. These experiments revealed enormous physiological diversity among the Lactobacillus genus strains. Altogether, our results showed that L. plantarum strains isolated from the digestive tracts of chickens bred in Poland displayed some probiotic attributes in vitro and were able to decrease the level of bird gut colonization by C. jejuni strain. This suggests that they can be employed as vectors to deliver Campylobacter immunodominant proteins to the bird's immune system to strengthen the efficacy of in ovo vaccination.
Single‐stage versus two‐stage arteriovenous loop microsurgical reconstruction: A meta‐analysis of the literature
Authors: Knackstedt Rebecca , Aliotta Rachel , Gatherwright James , Djohan Risal , Gastman Brian , Schwarz Graham , Hendrickson Mark , Gurunluoglu Raffi 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundArteriovenous (AV) loops can be utilized in a single‐ or two‐stage approach in free flap reconstruction when proper vessels are not available. However, there exists no consensus on which method leads to superior microsurgical and patient outcomes. The purpose of this article was to review single‐ versus two‐stage AV loops utilized in free flap reconstruction with a focus on complications and overall outcomes.MethodsA systematic review of AV loops for autologous free tissue transfer was conducted. Endpoints investigated included flap characteristics, timing to second stage, complications, and outcomes. A Student's t‐test and forest plots were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThirty‐five unique papers discussed utilizing AV loops in a single‐ or two‐stage approach, yielding 260 and 98 single‐ and two‐stage AV loops, respectively. There was a statistically significant higher rate of major complications in two‐stage as compared to single‐stage AV loops. There was a non‐statistically significant difference in rate of minor complications in the single‐stage as compared to two‐stage AV loops. Overall, there was a statistically significant higher success rate in the single‐stage as compared to two‐stage AV loopsConclusionThere was a statistically significant higher rate of major complications and failures in two‐stage AV loops. As well‐conducted randomized controlled studies are nearly impossible to perform in this population, the decision to pursue a single‐ versus two‐stage reconstruction should ultimately be determined based on individual patient co‐morbidities, the size and etiology of defect, and the type of free tissue transfer planned.
Microbiota, metabolome, and immune alterations in obese mice fed a high‐fat diet containing type 2 resistant starch
Authors: Barouei Javad , Bendiks Zach , Martinic Alice , Mishchuk Darya , Heeney Dustin , Hsieh Yu‐Hsin , Kieffer Dorothy , Zaragoza Jose , Martin Roy , Slupsky Carolyn , Marco Maria L 
Published: July 2017

ScopeWe examined the intestinal and systemic responses to incorporating a type 2 resistant starch (RS) into a high fat diet fed to obese mice.Methods and resultsDiet‐induced obese, C57BL/6J male mice were fed an HF diet without or with 20% (by weight) high‐amylose maize resistant starch (HF‐RS) for 6 weeks. Serum adiponectin levels were higher with RS consumption, but there were no differences in weight gain and adiposity. With HF‐RS, the expression levels of ileal TLR2 and Reg3g and cecal occludin, TLR2, TLR4, NOD1 and NOD2 were induced; whereas colonic concentrations of the inflammatory cytokine IL‐17A declined. The intestinal, serum, liver, and urinary metabolomes were also altered. HF‐RS resulted in lower amino acid concentrations, including lower serum branched chain amino acids, and increased quantities of urinary di/trimethylamine, 3‐indoxylsulfate, and phenylacetylglycine. Corresponding to these changes were enrichments in Bacteroidetes (S24‐7 family) and certain Firmicutes taxa (Lactobacillales and Erysipelotrichaceae) with the HF‐RS diet. Parabacteroides and S24‐7 positively associated with cecal maltose concentrations. These taxa and Erysipelotrichaceae, Allobaculum, and Bifidobacterium were directly correlated with uremic metabolites.ConclusionConsumption of RS modified the intestinal microbiota, stimulated intestinal immunity and endocrine‐responses, and modified systemic metabolomes in obese mice consuming an otherwise obesogenic diet.
Technical Note: Mobile accelerator guidance using an optical tracker during docking in IOERT procedures
Authors: Marinetto Eugenio , Victores Juan González , García‐Sevilla Mónica , Muñoz Mercedes , Calvo Felipe Ángel , Balaguer Carlos , Desco Manuel , Pascau Javier 
Published: July 2017

PurposeIntraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT) involves the delivery of a high radiation dose during tumor resection in a shorter time than other radiation techniques, thus improving local control of tumors. However, a linear accelerator device is needed to produce the beam safely. Mobile linear accelerators have been designed as dedicated units that can be moved into the operating room and deliver radiation in situ. Correct and safe dose delivery is a key concern when using mobile accelerators. The applicator is commonly fixed to the patient's bed to ensure that the dose is delivered to the prescribed location, and the mobile accelerator is moved to dock the applicator to the radiation beam output (gantry). In a typical clinical set‐up, this task is time‐consuming because of safety requirements and the limited degree of freedom of the gantry. The objective of this study was to present a navigation solution based on optical tracking for guidance of docking to improve safety and reduce procedure time.MethodWe used an optical tracker attached to the mobile linear accelerator to track the prescribed localization of the radiation collimator inside the operating room. Using this information, the integrated navigation system developed computes the movements that the mobile linear accelerator needs to perform to align the applicator and the radiation gantry and warns the physician if docking is unrealizable according to the available degrees of freedom of the mobile linear accelerator. Furthermore, we coded a software application that connects all the necessary functioning elements and provides a user interface for the system calibration and the docking guidance.ResultThe system could safeguard against the spatial limitations of the operating room, calculate the optimal arrangement of the accelerator and reduce the docking time in computer simulations and experimental setups.ConclusionsThe system could be used to guide docking with any commercial linear accelerator. We believe that the docking navigator we present is a major contribution to IOERT, where docking is critical when attempting to reduce surgical time, ensure patient safety and guarantee that the treatment administered follows the radiation oncologist's prescription.
Distinct alignment of benzene derivatives in stretched polystyrene and polybutylacrylate gels: Specific polymer–solute interactions
Authors: Niklas T. , Steinmetzger C. , Rüttger F. , Stalke D. , John M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe have measured the alignment of a range of benzene derivatives in cross‐linked polystyrene and poly(butyl acrylate) using a small number of residual dipolar couplings and simple geometric considerations. For apolar solutes in polystyrene and protic solutes in poly(butyl acrylate), the preferred molecular orientation does not coincide with the longest molecular axis (steric aligment). This behavior may be explained by specific π–π and hydrogen bonding interactions between solute and polymer, respectively, the latter being confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations.
Assessment of unilateral ureter obstruction with multi‐parametric MRI
Authors: Wang Feng , Takahashi Keiko , Li Hua , Zu Zhongliang , Li Ke , Xu Junzhong , Harris Raymond C. , Takahashi Takamune , Gore John C. 
Published: July 2017

PurposeQuantitative multi‐parametric MRI (mpMRI) methods may allow the assessment of renal injury and function in a sensitive and objective manner. This study aimed to evaluate an array of MRI methods that exploit endogenous contrasts including relaxation rates, pool size ratio (PSR) derived from quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT), chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST), nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for their sensitivity and specificity in detecting abnormal features associated with kidney disease in a murine model of unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO).MethodsMRI scans were performed in anesthetized C57BL/6N mice 1, 3, or 6 days after UUO at 7T. Paraffin tissue sections were stained with Masson trichrome following MRI.ResultsCompared to contralateral kidneys, the cortices of UUO kidneys showed decreases of relaxation rates R1 and R2, PSR, NOE, and ADC. No significant changes in CEST effects were observed for the cortical region of UUO kidneys. The MRI parametric changes in renal cortex are related to tubular cell death, tubular atrophy, tubular dilation, urine retention, and interstitial fibrosis in the cortex of UUO kidneys.ConclusionMeasurements of multiple MRI parameters provide comprehensive information about the molecular and cellular changes produced by UUO. Magn Reson Med 79:2216–2227, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Epigenetic regulation of the pathological process in endometriosis
Authors: Hsiao Kuei‐Yang , Wu Meng‐Hsing , Tsai Shaw‐Jenq 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundEndometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases that greatly compromises the quality of life in affected individuals. A growing body of evidence shows that the remodeling of retrograde endometrial tissues to the ectopic endometriotic lesions involves multiple epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA expression.MethodsThis article retrospectively reviewed the studies that were related to the epigenetic regulatory factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of endometriosis. A literature search was performed in order to collect scientific articles that were written in English by using the key words of “endometriosis,” “epigenetics,” “DNA methylation,” “histone modification,” and “microRNA.”ResultsEpigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA expression, are involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. These epigenetic players are regulated or tuned by microenvironmental cues, such as locally produced estradiol, proinflammatory cytokines, and hypoxic stress, and reciprocally regulate the process or response to those stimuli.ConclusionUnderstanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie these epigenetic regulatory processes would shed light on the etiology and/or progression of endometriosis and facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Hierarchical Porous Zeolite ZSM‐5/Graphene Nanosheets as Robust Heterogeneous Acid Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Huinian , Wang Junying , Liu Yongzhi , Chen Jialing , Wang Hao , Huang Jianlin , Wang Junzhong 
Published: July 2017

AbstractQuasi‐2D hierarchical porous nanosheets of zeolite ZSM‐5/graphene were synthesized as a robust heterogeneous acid catalyst. Electrochemically exfoliated graphene has strong interfacial effects on forming featured quasi‐2D layer of irregular 2‐50 nm pore size of mesoporous ZSM‐5 interconnected with 2D layer of 0.7 nm microporous zeolite. Graphene could support structural, compositional and morphological modifications of ZSM‐5 with enhanced Brønsted acidic sites accessible as well as improved mass transfer and stability. The ZSM‐5/graphene catalyst with 24wt% graphene exhibited superior catalytic activity for several organic reactions including some bulky molecules, and it can be used repetitively over 15 times without a significant loss of activity.
Oxa–diketopiperazines: Access and Conformational Analysis of Potential Turn Inducers
Authors: Berthet Mathéo , Lebrun Aurélien , Martel Arnaud , Cheviet Thomas , Martinez Jean , Parrot Isabelle 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAn improvement of the 1,2,5‐oxadiazine‐3,6‐diones (Oxd) synthesis and reactivity is described in this paper. The methodology has been successfully applied to produce a library of this poorly studied scaffold, which can be considered as an oxa‐diketopiperazine (oxa‐DKP). Significantly, the first crystal structures of oxa‐DKP were obtained and compared to the diketopiperazine ring. Finally, a straightforward procedure concerning the coupling of various amino acids with oxa‐DKP heterocycles to afford original peptidomimetics was reported. The conformational analysis realized on di‐ and tripeptide analogs revealed that the oxa‐DKP skeleton exhibited remarkable β‐turn inducer properties.
Parastomal Hernia Repair with a 3D Funnel Intraperitoneal Mesh Device and Same‐Sided Stoma Relocation: Results of 56 Cases
Authors: Fischer Ines , Wundsam Helwig , Mitteregger Martin , Köhler Gernot 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundParastomal hernias (PSHs) are a common and challenging issue. In previous studies, three‐dimensional (3D) funnel mesh devices have been used successfully for the repair of PSHs.MethodsWe performed an analysis of prospectively collected data of patients who underwent a same‐sided stoma reposition with 3D funnel‐shaped mesh augmentation in intraperitoneal (IPOM) position at our department between the years of 2012 and 2015. Primary outcome parameters were intra‐ and postoperative surgical complications and recurrence rate during the follow‐up period.ResultsFifty‐six patients could be included in this analysis. PSH repair was performed in 89.3% as elective surgery and in 73% in laparoscopic technique. A concomitant incisional hernia (EHS type 2 and 4) was found in 50% and repaired in a single‐step procedure with PSH. Major postoperative complications requiring redo surgery (Clavien–Dindo ≥3b) were identified in 8.9% (5/56). Overall recurrence rate was 12.5% (7/56). Median follow‐up time was 38 months, and a 1‐year follow‐up rate of 96.4% was reached.ConclusionPSH repair with 3D funnel mesh in IPOM technique is safe, efficient and easy to perform in laparoscopic and open surgical approaches providing advantageous results compared to other techniques. Furthermore, simultaneous detection and treatment of concomitant incisional hernias has shown favorable. However, the mesh funnel distends and becomes shortened encasing a bulky bowel mesentery and further shrinkage happens eccentric. Changing mesh construction according to lengthening the funnel could possibly lead to reduction in recurrence.
Cost‐Effectiveness of a Locally Organized Surgical Outreach Mission: Making a Case for Strengthening Local Non‐Governmental Organizations
Authors: Gyedu Adam , Gaskill Cameron , Boakye Godfred , Abantanga Francis 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntroductionMany low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) have a high prevalence of unmet surgical need. Provision of operations through surgical outreach missions, mostly led by foreign organizations, offers a way to address the problem. We sought to assess the cost‐effectiveness of surgical outreach missions provided by a wholly local organization in Ghana to highlight the role local groups might play in reducing the unmet surgical need of their communities.MethodsWe calculated the disability‐adjusted life years (DALY) averted by surgical outreach mission activities of ApriDec Medical Outreach Group (AMOG), a Ghanaian non‐governmental organization. The total cost of their activities was also calculated. Conclusions about cost‐effectiveness were made according to World Health Organization (WHO)‐suggested parameters.ResultsWe analyzed 2008 patients who had been operated upon by AMOG since December 2011. Operations performed included hernia repairs (824 patients, 41%) and excision biopsy of soft tissue masses (364 patients, 18%). More specialized operations included thyroidectomy (103 patients, 5.1%), urological procedures (including prostatectomy) (71 patients, 3.5%), and plastic surgery (26 patients, 1.3%). Total cost of the outreach trips was $283,762, and 2079 DALY were averted; cost per DALY averted was 136.49 USD. The mission trips were “very cost‐effective” per WHO parameters. There was a trend toward a lower cost per DALY averted with subsequent outreach trips organized by AMOG.ConclusionOur findings suggest that providing surgical services through wholly local surgical mission trips to underserved LMIC communities might represent a cost‐effective and viable option for countries seeking to reduce the growing unmet surgical needs of their populations.