bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design Issues in Transgender Studies
Authors: Hughes James P. , Emel Lynda , Hanscom Brett , Zangeneh Sahar 
Published: July 2016

Abstract:
Transgender individuals constitute an important focus for HIV prevention, but studies in this population present some unique methodologic and operational challenges. We consider issues related to sampling, sample size, number of sites, and trial cost. We discuss relevant design issues for evaluating interventions in both HIV-negative and HIV-infected transgender populations, as well as a method for assessing the impact of an intervention on population HIV incidence. We find that HIV-endpoint studies of transgender individuals will likely require fewer participants but more sites and have higher operational costs than HIV prevention trials in other populations. Because any intervention targeted to transgender individuals will likely include antiretroviral drugs, small scale studies looking at potential interactions between antiretroviral therapy and hormone therapy are recommended. Finally, assessing the impact of an intervention targeted to transgender individuals will require better information on the contribution of such individuals to the population HIV incidence.
The Efficacy and the Safety of Prophylactic N-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate Injection for Gastric Varices Using a Modified Injection Technique
Authors: Ni Zhen , Chen Hongbin , Tang Shanhong , Zeng Weizheng , Xu Hui 
Published: July 2016

Background:
Primary prophylactic N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBC) injection for nonbleeding gastric varices (GVs) remains controversial. In addition, there is still no consensus concerning the technique, its safety, and long-term results.

Aim:
To analyze the safety and the efficacy of NBC for primary prophylaxis of GVs using a modified injection technique.

Methods:
Between February 2004 and June 2014, a total of 72 patients with GVs with a high risk of bleeding, who received undiluted NBC injection using a modified “sandwich” method for primary prophylaxis in General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients were followed up at 1 to 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and thereafter every 6 months or whenever required, using endoscope detection. The rate of obliteration, bleeding, recurrence, and complications was evaluated.

Results:
According to the standard Sarin classification, 28 patients were IGV1 and 44 patients were GEV2. Hepatitis B virus infection was the major cause of portal hypertension. The mean number of sessions were 1.4 (1 to 3) and the mean volume of NBC per session was 3.5 mL (1 to 6 mL). One injection per session was used in 41 patients (56.9%) and 2 or more injections were used in the remaining 31 patients (43.1%). During the follow-up (27 mo; range, 12 to 67 mo), complete obliteration of GVs was achieved in 93.1% of the patients (67/72). One session of NBC injection was enough to obliterate GVs in 49 patients (68.1%), and 2 or more sessions were needed in 23 patients (31.9%). In addition, the bleeding and the recurrence rate were 11.1% (8/72) and 15.3% (11/72), respectively, during the follow-up. The cumulative bleeding-free rate at 1, 3, and 5 years was 95.8%, 91.7%, and 88.9%, respectively. Worsening of esophageal varices was observed in 13 patients (9 in GEV2 and 4 in IGV1). No serious complications, such as distal embolism, were observed in all patients.

Conclusions:
Prophylactic endoscopic NBC injection using a modified injection technique may be a safe and effective treatment for gastric fundal varices with a high risk of bleeding.
Recent developments in muscle imaging of neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Fischer Dirk , Bonati Ulrike , Wattjes Mike P. 
Published: July 2016

Purpose of review
In this update, we describe recent findings on imaging techniques used for the analysis and quantification of affected muscles, advances in pattern recognition, and quantitative muscle imaging in clinical studies.

Recent findings
Whole-body muscle MRI and meta-analytical approaches, so-called (hierarchical) heat maps of affected muscles are promising advances compared with commonly applied lower leg pattern recognition approaches. Muscle fat fraction assessments measuring chemical shift differences and T2-relaxation times of separated fat and water components in skeletal muscle are currently the most reliable quantitative muscle imaging techniques. Quantitative muscle MRI detects subclinical disease progression in muscular dystrophies and is a powerful surrogate outcome measure in clinical trials.

Summary
Diagnostic and quantitative muscular imaging techniques are increasingly important for diagnostic workup and for interventional studies in patients with inherited myopathies.
Parents' perspectives on a collaborative approach to the application of the Handwriting Without Tears® programme with children with Down syndrome
Authors: Patton Sandra , Hutton Eve 
Published: July 2016

BackgroundThe active involvement of parents and children in goal setting and intervention is integral to contemporary occupational therapy process models. However, parental perspectives on collaborative handwriting intervention are limited. This paper presents parental perspectives on a three‐way collaboration involving teachers, parents and an occupational therapist in the application of Handwriting Without Tears® (HWT®) with children with Down syndrome.MethodsWithin a larger mixed methods study, 44 parents completed purpose‐designed questionnaires and six parents participated in a focus group, post 8 months of programme implementation. Both methods gathered parent's perspectives on the usefulness and limitations of applying HWT®. The focus group explored collaboration in depth. Analysis involved triangulation of data from descriptive analysis of numerical data with content analysis of open‐ended questions and focus group data.FindingsEnablers of parent–child engagement in HWT® were identified as; the parent–child‐friendly aspects of HWT®, the teacher involvement ensuring continuity which eased demands on parents, the ongoing support/guidance of the occupational therapist and the child's involvement in HWT® group intervention. The occupational therapists' involvement was reported as essential to encouraging teacher/parent involvement. Barriers to child–parent engagement included fluctuations in child health, mood, attention span and time limitations including the child's involvement in other therapy programmes.ConclusionsParents perceived the HWT® and the three‐way collaborative approach as enabling active parent–child engagement in handwriting intervention. This approach warrants further investigation. Findings have the potential to inform practice guidelines and pre‐ and post‐graduation education related to collaborative handwriting intervention with children with Down syndrome and their families.
Transient scrotal hyperthermia affects human sperm DNA integrity, sperm apoptosis, and sperm protein expression
Authors: Rao M. , Xia W. , Yang J. , Hu L.‐X. , Hu S.‐F. , Lei H. , Wu Y.‐Q. , Zhu C.‐H. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryThis prospective randomized clinical study is aimed to evidence the reproductive impairment of frequent scrotal heat exposure. A total of 20 normozoospermic subjects were randomly divided into two groups to undergo testicular warming in a 43 °C water bath 10 times, for 30 min each time; the subjects in group 1 underwent testicular warming for 10 consecutive days and those in group 2 once every 3 days. Sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis, and seminal plasma‐soluble Fas (sFas) were analyzed before treatment and every 2 weeks after, for a total of 10 times. In group 1, some critical proteins involved in heat stress, hypoxia, structure, and function of sperm mitochondria and flagella were evaluated before hyperthermia and 2, 6, 10, and 16 weeks after hyperthermia. Both groups showed a reversible increase in the proportion of spermatozoa with a disrupted MMP (both p < 0.05 when the minimums were compared with baseline levels, the same below), sperm apoptosis (both p < 0.01) and high DNA stainability (both p < 0.05). The sFas concentration in both groups showed no obvious changes except one: the value at week 2 was significantly increased over baseline in group 1 (p = 0.036). The level of Bcl‐2 decreased significantly at weeks 6 and 10 (p = 0.017 and 0.05, respectively) and recovered to baseline at week 16. Proteins involved in heat stress and mitochondria functions were up‐regulated, whereas in flagella structure and function was down‐regulated (all p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that transient and frequent scrotal hyperthermia severely and reversibly damaged spermatogenesis, consecutive heat exposure had more serious effects than intermittent exposure, whereas intermittent exposure led to a later recovery of sperm damage.
Pre‐Feedback Risk Expectancies and Reception of Low‐Risk Health Feedback: Absolute and Comparative Lack of Reassurance
Authors: Gamp Martina , Renner Britta 
Published: July 2016

BackgroundPersonalised health‐risk assessment is one of the most common components of health promotion programs. Previous research on responses to health risk feedback has commonly focused on the reception of bad news (high‐risk feedback). The reception of low‐risk feedback has been comparably neglected since it is assumed that good news is reassuring and readily received. However, field studies suggest mixed responses to low‐risk health feedback. Accordingly, we examine whether pre‐feedback risk expectancies can mitigate the reassuring effects of good news.MethodsIn two studies (N = 187, N = 565), after assessing pre‐feedback risk expectancies, participants received low‐risk personalised feedback about their own risk of developing (the fictitious) Tucson Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (TCFS). Study 2 also included peer TCFS risk status feedback. Afterwards, self‐ and peer‐related risk perception for TCFS was assessed.ResultsIn both studies, participants who expected to be at high risk but received good news (unexpected low‐risk feedback) showed absolute lack of reassurance. Specifically, they felt at significantly greater TCFS risk than participants who received expected good news. Moreover, the unexpected low‐risk group even believed that their risk was as high as (Study 1) or higher (Study 2) than that of their peers (comparative lack of reassurance).ConclusionResults support the notion that high pre‐feedback risk expectancies can mitigate absolute and comparative reassuring effects of good news.
Rail‐suicide prevention: Systematic literature review of evidence‐based activities
Authors: Barker Emma , Kolves Kairi , De Leo Diego 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundRail‐related suicide is a relatively rare but extremely lethal method of suicide that can have far‐reaching consequences.ObjectiveThe aim of the systematic literature review was to analyze the existing literature on the effectiveness of rail‐suicide prevention activities.Data sourcesDatabases used were Scopus, Medline, and ProQuest.Search termsThe search terms used were “suicid*,” “prevent*,” “rail*,” or “train.”Eligibility criteriaEnglish‐language studies published in peer‐reviewed journals between 1 January 1990 and 30 April 2015 that presented an overview of rail‐related suicide prevention activities and included an analysis of effectiveness were used.ResultsWe retrieved 1,229 results in the original search with nine papers presenting empirical evidence. Three studies in the review analyzed the effectiveness of platform screen doors and another three analyzed the installation of blue lights, two papers analyzed the effectiveness of suicide pits, and one included the influence of media reporting guidelines.ConclusionPlatform screen doors, suicide pits, blue lights, and improved media guidelines all have the potential to reduce rail‐related suicide events and deaths.LimitationsThe review was restricted to English‐language peer‐reviewed papers published within the chosen time period.
Blood pressure‐lowering effects of sulodexide depend on albuminuria severity: post hoc analysis of the sulodexide microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria studies
Authors: Olde Engberink Rik H. G. , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , de Zeeuw Dick , Vogt Liffert 
Published: July 2016

AimsIt has been suggested that sulodexide is able to lower blood pressure (BP). This may be attributed to its ability to restore the endothelial surface layer (ESL). As ESL perturbation is known to be related to the degree of kidney damage, we investigated whether albuminuria, reflecting ESL status, modified the BP‐lowering potential of sulodexide.MethodsA post hoc analysis of the double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled sulodexide microalbuminuria (Sun‐MICRO) and macroalbuminuria (Sun‐MACRO) studies, including 1056 microalbuminuric and 843 macroalbuminuric subjects with type 2 diabetes receiving maximal tolerated renin–angiotensin‐aldosterone system inhibitor therapy, was carried out. We compared the effect of placebo and sulodexide on systolic BP (SBP) among albuminuria groups.ResultsAnalysis of covariance, including data from both trials, showed that baseline urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) was the only modifier of the SBP response (interaction with treatment P = 0.001). In subjects with an UACR >1000 mg g–1, sulodexide lowered SBP by 4.6 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.6, 5.6; P < 0.001] compared with placebo, whereas a 2.3 mmHg (95% CI 0.9,3.7; P = 0.001) reduction was seen in subjects with a UACR of 300–1000 mg g–1. Sulodexide did not lower SBP in subjects with a UACR <300 mg g–1 (−0.2 mmHg, 95% CI −0.8, 0.5; P = 0.60). SBP‐lowering effects were not accompanied by changes in body weight.ConclusionThe BP‐reducing potency of sulodexide is modified by the degree of albuminuria in subjects with type 2 diabetes. As ESL status deteriorates with increasing albuminuria and nephropathy severity, this suggests that ESL restoration may represent a new target for BP treatment in subjects with diabetic nephropathy.
Cesarean Birth Regret and Dissatisfaction: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Burcher Paul , Cheyney Melissa J. , Li Kalie N. , Hushmendy Shazeen , Kiley Kevin C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe most consistently noted difference between unplanned cesarean and vaginal births is patient dissatisfaction or regret. This has been explored in multiple quantitative studies. However, the causes of this dissatisfaction remain elusive as a result of the limitations of survey instruments that restrict possible choices.MethodsUsing open‐ended, semi‐structured interviews (n = 14), the purpose of this study was to identify potentially alterable factors that contribute to cesarean section regret when the surgery is performed during labor. In interviews that took place between 2 and 6 weeks postpartum, patients who had undergone an unscheduled cesarean birth during labor and had volunteered for the study were asked to share the story of their birth. Each participant was prompted to describe her understanding of the indication for her cesarean, and reflect on what felt positive and negative about her experience. Using consensus coding, three investigators independently evaluated the transcribed interviews, identifying recurring themes that were then discussed until consensus on the major themes was achieved.ResultsFour key themes emerged from patients’ unplanned cesarean narratives: poor communication, fear of the operating room, distrust of the medical team, and loss of control. Lack of or incomplete trust in care providers was a new factor not previously recognized as a cause of distress or dissatisfaction in the literature to date.ConclusionThe four factors identified in this study are all potentially ameliorable, suggesting that changes in physician behavior may reduce patient dissatisfaction with unplanned cesarean birth.
Inflammation, vitamin D and dendritic cell precursors in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Paul K , Franke S , Nadal J , Schmid M , Yilmaz A , Kretzschmar D , Bärthlein B , Titze S , Koettgen A , Wolf G , Busch M 
Published: July 2016

SummaryDecreased blood dendritic cell precursors (DCP) count is linked with atherosclerotic disease, while reduction of circulating DCP is also seen in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). As poor vitamin D status could be linked to a compromised innate immune response, we hypothesized that vitamin D status might be involved in the decrease in circulating DCP in CKD. Moreover, the potential role of inflammation was considered. Circulating myeloid (mDCP), plasmacytoid (pDCP) and total DCP (tDCP) were analysed using flow cytometry in 287 patients with CKD stage 3. Serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α using cytometric bead array, C-reactive protein (CRP) using a high-sensitivity (hs) ELISA. Contrary to our hypothesis, there was no association between vitamin D levels and DCP, although their number was decreased significantly in CKD (P &lt; 0·001). Instead, mDCP (r = −0·211) and tDCP (r = −0·188,) were associated slightly negatively with hsCRP but positively with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, r = 0·314 for tDCP). According to multivariate linear regression, only higher hsCRP concentration and the presence of diabetes mellitus had a significant negative influence on DCP count (P &lt; 0·03, respectively) but not vitamin D, age and eGFR. A significant impact of vitamin D on the reduction of circulating DCP in CKD 3 patients can be neglected. Instead, inflammation as a common phenomenon in CKD and diabetes mellitus had the main influence on the decrease in DCP. Thus, a potential role for DCP as a sensitive marker of inflammation and cardiovascular risk should be elucidated in future studies.
The Role of Group II Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in the Striatum in Electroacupuncture Treatment of Parkinsonian Rats
Authors: Jia Yan‐Jun , Deng Jia‐Hui , Zhang Wen‐Zhong , Sun Zuo‐Li , Yang Jian , Yu Yan , Gong Xiao‐Li , Jia Jun , Wang Xiao‐Min 
Published: July 2016

SummaryAimsGlutamatergic transmission may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Electroacupuncture (EA) has been demonstrated to effectively alleviate PD symptoms. In this study, a potential glutamate‐dependent mechanism underlying the therapeutic action of EA was investigated.MethodsThe effects of EA stimulation on motor behaviors, dopamine contents, glutamate release, and group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR2/3) expression in unilateral 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐lesioned rats were examined.ResultsUnilateral 6‐OHDA lesions of the nigrostriatal system caused a marked increase in glutamate content in the ipsilateral cortex and striatum. mGluR2/3 protein expression and mGluR3 mRNA expression were reduced in the striatum. Noticeably, prolonged EA stimulation at 100 Hz significantly reversed these changes in the striatal glutamate system. Behaviorally, EA improved the motor deficits induced by 6‐OHDA lesions. Intrastriatal infusion of an mGluR2/3 antagonist APICA blocked the improving effect of EA.ConclusionsThese data collectively demonstrate that the group II mGluR‐mediated glutamatergic transmission in the striatum is sensitive to dopamine depletion and may serve as a substrate of EA for mediating the therapeutic effect of EA in a rat model of PD.
Developing a theory of change for a community‐based response to illegal wildlife trade
Authors: Biggs Duan , Cooney Rosie , Roe Dilys , Dublin Holly T. , Allan James R. , Challender Dan W.S. , Skinner Diane 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe escalating illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is one of the most high‐profile conservation challenges today. The crisis has attracted over US$350 million in donor and government funding in recent years, primarily directed at increased enforcement. There is growing recognition among practitioners and policy makers of the need to engage rural communities that neighbor or live with wildlife as key partners in tackling IWT. However, a framework to guide such community engagement is lacking. We developed a theory of change (ToC) to guide policy makers, donors, and practitioners in partnering with communities to combat IWT. We identified 4 pathways for community‐level actions: strengthen disincentives for illegal behavior, increase incentives for wildlife stewardship, decrease costs of living with wildlife, and support livelihoods that are not related to wildlife. To succeed the pathways, all require strengthening of enabling conditions, including capacity building, and of governance. Our ToC serves to guide actions to tackle IWT and to inform the evaluation of policies. Moreover, it can be used to foster dialogue among IWT stakeholders, from local communities to governments and international donors, to develop a more effective, holistic, and sustainable community‐based response to the IWT crisis.
Safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for management of central airway stenosis after lung transplant
Authors: Mahmood Kamran , Kraft Bryan D. , Glisinski Kristen , Hartwig Matthew G. , Harlan Nicole P. , Piantadosi Claude A. , Shofer Scott L. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundCentral airway stenosis (CAS) is common after lung transplantation and causes significant post‐transplant morbidity. It is often preceded by extensive airway necrosis, related to airway ischemia. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is useful for ischemic grafts and may reduce the development of CAS.MethodsThe purpose of this study was to determine whether HBOT could be safely administered to lung transplant patients with extensive necrotic airway plaques. Secondarily, we assessed any effects of HBOT on the incidence and severity of CAS.Patients with extensive necrotic airway plaques within 1–2 months after lung transplantation were treated with HBOT along with standard care. These patients were compared with a contemporaneous reference group with similar plaques who did not receive HBOT.ResultsTen patients received HBOT for 18.5 (interquartile range, IQR 11–20) sessions, starting at 40.5 (IQR 34–54) days after transplantation. HBOT was well tolerated. Incidence of CAS was similar between HBOT‐treated patients and reference patients (70% vs 87%, respectively; P=.34), but fewer stents were required in HBOT patients (10% vs 56%, respectively; P=.03).ConclusionsThis pilot study is the first to demonstrate HBOT safety in patients who develop necrotic airway plaques after lung transplantation. HBOT may reduce the need for airway stent placement in patients with CAS.