bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How Well Are We Respecting Patient Privacy in Medical Imaging? Lessons Learnt from a Departmental Audit
Authors: Dilauro Marc , Thornhill Rebecca , Fasih Najla 
Published: September 2016

Rationale and Objectives Preservation of patient privacy and dignity are basic requirements for all patients visiting a hospital. The purpose of this study was to perform an audit of patients' satisfaction with privacy whilst in the Department of Medical Imaging (MI) at the Civic Campus of the Ottawa Hospital. Materials and Methods Outpatients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography (US), and plain film (XR) examinations were provided with a survey on patient privacy. The survey asked participants to rank (on a 6-point scale ranging from 6 = excellent to 1 = no privacy) whether their privacy was respected in 5 key locations within the Department of MI. The survey was conducted over a consecutive 5-day period. Results A total of 502 surveys were completed. The survey response rate for each imaging modality was: 55% MRI, 42% CT, 45% US, and 47% XR. For each imaging modality, the total percentage of privacy scores greater than or equal to 5 were: 98% MRI, 96% CT, 94% US, and 92% XR. Privacy ratings for the MRI reception and waiting room areas were significantly higher in comparison to the other imaging modalities ( P = .0025 and P = .0227, respectively). Conclusion Overall, patient privacy was well respected within the Department of MI.
Short bowel syndrome: treatment options
Authors: Eça Rosário , Barbosa Elisabete 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Introduction Short bowel syndrome (SBS) refers to the malabsorptive state that occurs following extensive intestinal resection and is associated with several complications.
Methods The research for this review was conducted in the Pubmed database. Relevant scientific articles dated between 1991 and 2015 and written in Portuguese, Spanish or English were selected.
Results Several therapies, including nutritional support, pharmacological options and surgical procedures have been used in these patients.
Conclusions Over the last decades new surgical and pharmacological approaches emerged, increasing survival and quality of life (QoL) in patients with SBS. All SBS patients ought to have an individualized and multidisciplinary care that promotes intestinal rehabilitation.
Lifestyle Factors and Premature Ejaculation: Are Physical Exercise, Alcohol Consumption, and Body Mass Index Associated with Premature Ejaculation and Comorbid Erectile Problems?
Authors: Ventus Daniel , Jern Patrick 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual problem in men, but its etiology remains uncertain. Lifestyle factors have long been hypothesized to be associated with sexual problems in general and have been proposed as risk factors for PE.

Aim
To explore associations among physical exercise, alcohol use, body mass index, PE, and erectile dysfunction.

Methods
A population-based sample of Finnish men and a sample of Finnish men diagnosed with PE were surveyed for statistical comparisons. Participants using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or other medications known to affect symptoms of PE were excluded from analyses.

Main Outcome Measures
Self-report questionnaires: Multiple Indicators of Premature Ejaculation, International Index of Erectile Function–5, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire.

Results
The clinical sample reported lower levels of physical exercise (mean = 27.53, SD = 21.01, n = 69) than the population-based sample (mean = 34.68, SD = 22.82, n = 863, t930 = 2.52, P = .012), and the effect size was large (d = 0.85). There was a small negative correlation between levels of physical exercise and symptoms of PE (r = −0.09, P &lt; .01, n = 863) in the population-based sample. The association between physical exercise and PE remained significant after controlling for effects of age, erectile dysfunction, alcohol use, and body mass index.

Conclusion
If future studies show that the direction of causality of this association is such that physical activity alleviates PE symptoms, then including physical activity in PE treatment interventions could be a promising addition to treatment regimes.
Bacillus thuringiensis Cyt2Aa2 toxin disrupts cell membranes by forming large protein aggregates
Authors: Tharad Sudarat , Toca-Herrera José L. , Promdonkoy Boonhiang , Krittanai Chartchai 
Published: September 2016

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cyt2Aa2 showed toxicity against Dipteran insect larvae and in vitro lysis activity on several cells. It has potential applications in the biological control of insect larvae. Although pore-forming and/or detergent-like mechanisms were proposed, the mechanism underlying cytolytic activity remains unclear. Analysis of the haemolytic activity of Cyt2Aa2 with osmotic stabilizers revealed partial toxin inhibition, suggesting a distinctive mechanism from the putative pore formation model. Membrane permeability was studied using fluorescent dye entrapped in large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) at various protein/lipid molar ratios. Binding of Cyt2Aa2 monomer to the lipid membrane did not disturb membrane integrity until the critical protein/lipid molar ratio was reached, when Cyt2Aa2 complexes and cytolytic activity were detected. The complexes are large aggregates that appeared as a ladder when separated by agarose gel electrophoresis. Interaction of Cyt2Aa2 with Aedes albopictus cells was investigated by confocal microscopy and total internal reflection fluorescent microscopy (TIRF). The results showed that Cyt2Aa2 binds on the cell membrane at an early stage without cell membrane disruption. Protein aggregation on the cell membrane was detected later which coincided with cell swelling. Cyt2Aa2 aggregations on supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) were visualized by AFM. The AFM topographic images revealed Cyt2Aa2 aggregates on the lipid bilayer at low protein concentration and subsequently disrupts the lipid bilayer by forming a lesion as the protein concentration increased. These results supported the mechanism whereby Cyt2Aa2 binds and aggregates on the lipid membrane leading to the formation of non-specific hole and disruption of the cell membrane.
Differential renal effects of candesartan at high and ultra-high doses in diabetic mice–potential role of the ACE2/AT2R/Mas axis
Authors: Callera Glaucia E. , Antunes Tayze T. , Correa Jose W. , Moorman Danielle , Gutsol Alexey , He Ying , Cat Aurelie Nguyen Dinh , Briones Ana M. , Montezano Augusto C. , Burns Kevin D. , Touyz Rhian M. 
Published: September 2016

High doses of Ang II receptor (AT1R) blockers (ARBs) are renoprotective in diabetes. Underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We evaluated whether high/ultra-high doses of candesartan (ARB) up-regulate angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)/Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2R)/Mas receptor [protective axis of the of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS)] in diabetic mice. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), albuminuria and expression/activity of RAS components were assessed in diabetic db/db and control db/+ mice treated with increasing candesartan doses (intermediate, 1 mg/kg/d; high, 5 mg/kg/d; ultra-high, 25 and 75 mg/kg/d; 4 weeks). Lower doses candesartan did not influence SBP, but ultra-high doses reduced SBP in both groups. Plasma glucose and albuminuria were increased in db/db compared with db/+ mice. In diabetic mice treated with intermediate dose candesartan, renal tubular damage and albuminuria were ameliorated and expression of ACE2, AT2R and Mas and activity of ACE2 were increased, effects associated with reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, decreased fibrosis and renal protection. Ultra-high doses did not influence the ACE2/AT2R/Mas axis and promoted renal injury with increased renal ERK1/2 activation and exaggerated fibronectin expression in db/db mice. Our study demonstrates dose-related effects of candesartan in diabetic nephropathy: intermediate–high dose candesartan is renoprotective, whereas ultra-high dose candesartan induces renal damage. Molecular processes associated with these effects involve differential modulation of the ACE2/AT2R/Mas axis: intermediate–high dose candesartan up-regulating RAS protective components and attenuating pro-fibrotic processes, and ultra-high doses having opposite effects. These findings suggest novel mechanisms through the protective RAS axis, whereby candesartan may ameliorate diabetic nephropathy. Our findings also highlight potential injurious renal effects of ultra-high dose candesartan in diabetes.
Understanding the Determinants of Hired Skipper Use in the Alaska Halibut Individual Fishing Quota Fishery
Authors: Szymkowiak Marysia , Felthoven Ron 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
There is a growing body of literature evidencing the distributional impacts of leasing in catch-share fisheries but little research on the determinants of the leasing decision itself. This study addresses this gap by using a discrete-choice model to examine the determinants of the decision of quota shareholders to use hired skippers in the individual fishing quota (IFQ) fishery for Pacific Halibut Hippoglossus stenolepis in Alaska. Since the implementation of that Alaska IFQ program, there has been an increasing reliance on hired skippers by initial quota-share recipients in relationships that are often functionally equivalent to leasing. This has hampered the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's efforts to ultimately transition the IFQ catcher-vessel fleet to a group of owner-operators. This study shows that the probability of hiring a skipper is statistically significantly related to the residency and shareholdings of shareholders and identifies potential attributes of shareholdings, including quantity and diversity, which may contribute to more hired skipper use. This information may allow fishery managers to both predict the degree of such practices and to customize regulations that lead to preferred outcomes in program design or modification, as it relates to the IFQ program and other catch-share programs wherein leasing is a common practice prone to controversy.
Received October 9, 2015; accepted April 13, 2016 Published online September 8, 2016
Effect of Waveform and Voltage Gradient on the Survival of Electroshocked Steelhead Embryos and Larvae
Authors: Simpson William G. , Peterson Douglas P. , Steinke Kurt 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Electrofishing is commonly used to monitor fish populations and to control nuisance or invasive fishes. These applications typically focus on juvenile and adult fish, and comparatively less is known about how early developmental stages of fish are affected by electroshock. We examined the survival of hatchery steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss embryos and larvae exposed to three waveforms often emitted by commercially available electrofishing equipment—AC, square pulsed DC (PDC), and half-sine-wave PDC—at different voltage gradients across six developmental stages. There was a strong negative relationship between voltage gradient and survival of steelhead embryos and larvae. Fish were most resistant to electroshock after embryonic pigmentation had occurred (93% mean survival at 4.5 V/cm) until their sensitivity again increased at the swim-up larval stage (32% mean survival at 2.5 V/cm). The greater survival of embryonic and alevin steelhead exposed to half-sine-wave PDC (42% mean survival at a peak voltage gradient of 2.5 V/cm) compared with square PDC and AC (8% mean embryonic survival at 2.5 V/cm) suggested that root mean square voltage gradient is a stronger determinant of mortality than are peak voltage gradient or alternating polarity. The AC waveforms were more deadly to swim-up larvae than were other waveforms, so the mechanism by which electroshock kills this life stage is probably different than the mechanism that kills steelhead during earlier developmental stages. The results of this study have direct implications to electrofishing in environments where some sympatrically occurring species and developmental stages are not the intended target for electroshock. Accordingly, we offer some simple suggestions for how waveforms can be manipulated to limit, or increase, the mortality of fishes where electrofishing is used as a management or conservation tool.
Received December 17, 2015; accepted April 25, 2016 Published online September 8, 2016
The glycosylation stoichiometry of EWS species in neuronal cells
Authors: Kamemura Kazuo , Abe Hiromi 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAlthough Ewing sarcoma protein (EWS) is known to be glycosylated by O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc), the dynamics and stoichiometry of its glycosylation remain obscure. Here, we report a dynamic change in the glycosylation stoichiometry of EWS species during neuronal differentiation of embryonic carcinoma P19 cells. Our findings suggest that O-GlcNAc glycosylation participates in the regulation of EWS functions in neuronal cells.
Single-site substitutions improve cold activity and increase thermostability of the dehairing alkaline protease (DHAP)
Authors: Zhao Hong-Yan , Wu Li-Ying , Liu Gang , Feng Hong 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
To engineer dehairing alkaline protease (DHAP) variants to improve cold activity and increase thermostability so these variants are suitable for the leather processing industry. Based on previous studies with bacterial alkaline proteases, double-site mutations (W106K/V149I and W106K/M124L) were introduced into the DHAP from Bacillus pumilus. Compared with the wild-type DHAP hydrolytic activity, the double-site variant W106K/V149I showed an increase in specific hydrolytic activity at 15 °C by 2.3-fold toward casein in terms of hydrolytic rate and 2.7-fold toward the synthetic peptide AAPF-pN by means of kcat/Km value. The thermostability of the variant (W106K/V149I) was improved with the half-life at 60 and 70 °C increased by 2.7- and 5.0-fold, respectively, when compared with the thermostability of the wild-type DHAP. Conclusively, an increase in the cold activity and thermostability of a bacterial alkaline protease was achieved by protein engineering.
Cloning and heterologous expression of a novel subgroup of class IV polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase genes from the genus Bacillus
Authors: Mizuno Kouhei , Kihara Takahiro , Tsuge Takeharu , Lundgren Benjamin R , Sarwar Zaara , Pinto Atahualpa , Nomura Christopher T 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Many microorganisms harbor genes necessary to synthesize biodegradable plastics known as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). We surveyed a genomic database and discovered a new cluster of class IV PHA synthase genes (phaRC). These genes are different in sequence and operon structure from any previously reported PHA synthase. The newly discovered PhaRC synthase was demonstrated to produce PHAs in recombinant Escherichia coli.
Synthesis and evaluation of L-cystathionine as a standard for amino acid analysis
Authors: Amino Yusuke , Suzuki Yumiko 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
L-Cystathionine is a key nonprotein amino acid related to metabolic conditions. The quantitative determination of L-cystathionine in physiological fluids by amino acid analysis is important for clinical diagnosis; however, certified reference material for L-cystathionine with satisfactory purity, content, and quantity has been unavailable until recently. Consequently, a practical and simple method for the preparation of L-cystathionine was examined, which involves thioalkylation of N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-L-cysteine tert-butyl ester, derived from L-cystine, with (2S)-2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino-4-iodobutanoic acid tert-butyl ester, derived from L-aspartic acid, to obtain L-cystathionine with protecting groups, followed by single-step deprotection under mild conditions. This method produces L-cystathionine in high purity (99.4%) and having sufficient percentage content according to amino acid analysis, which could be used as a standard for the amino acid analysis of physiological fluids.
Sport‐specific factors predicting player retention in junior cricket
Authors: Talpey Scott , Croucher Tom , Bani Mustafa Ahmed , Finch Caroline F. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractUnderstanding factors that motivate young athletes to continue participation in sport can help key stakeholders cultivate an environment that fosters long‐term participation. This investigation sought to determine the performance and participation factors that influenced continued participation in junior cricket. Administration‐level data were collected each annual season across a seven‐year period by a community‐level junior cricket association in Australia and analysed to identify the performance and participation‐based predictors of player retention. All players were males aged <16 years. Players were categorised according to whether they remained in (or departed from) the association at the end of each playing season. A multivariate logistic regression model with a stepwise variable selection was employed to identify significant independent predictors of player retention. The number of innings batted and overs bowled were significant participation‐related contributors to junior cricket player retention. Performance factors such as the number of wickets taken and the number of runs scored also significantly influenced player retention. Finally, team age group, the number of previous seasons played and age were also significant factors in player retention. This demonstrates that sufficient opportunity for children to participate in the game and expression of skills competence are key factors for retention in cricket.
Playing outdoor and practising sport: A study of physical activity levels in Portuguese children
Authors: Silva Paula , Santos Maria Paula 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn outdoor activities, it seems reasonable that the longer children spend in spontaneous physical activity (PA), the higher the probability of being active. Indeed, the time spent outdoor has been identified as a variable consistently associated with the children's PA. Outdoor playing, such as the organized sports practice, appears associated with healthier lifestyle standards. All the recommendations mention the importance of increasing daily PA practice in children and teenagers, but few studies highlight the relationship between outdoor play and the recommended PA levels. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between the frequency of outdoor play, the frequency of the organized sports practice, and the compliance of the recommendations for PA practice in children in the inner city area of Porto. The sample of this study is composed of 422 individuals (mean age of 11.6 years). Two hundred and twenty‐five of them were girls and 197 were boys from the sixth grade (elementary schools located in the inner city area of Porto). PA was objectively evaluated using accelerometers. Participants reported frequency of participation in different PA contexts, such as sports practice and outdoor play. The results show a predictor effect of participating in sports three or more times per week on compliance of PA guidelines.In conclusion, organized sports practice seems more effective than outdoor play to reach the recommended levels of PA in children.
Atlantic Cod Show a Highly Variable Sensitivity to Electric-Induced Spinal Injuries
Authors: Soetaert M. , De Haan D. , Verschueren B. , Decostere A. , Puvanendran V. , Saunders J. , Polet H. , Chiers K. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Pulse trawling is the most promising alternative to conventional beam trawls targeting Sole Solea solea (also known as Solea vulgaris), but due to the electric fields created by electrotrawls spinal injuries are reported in gadoid round fishes such as Atlantic Cod Gadus morhua. This study aimed to investigate the variability in the occurrence of electric-induced spinal injuries in cod. Four groups of cod, each originating from a different wild or farmed stock, were exposed to the pulses used by electrotrawls targeting Sole. Effects were analyzed based on behavior, mortality, and lesions up to 14 d after exposure, and morphological characteristics such as size, somatic weight, muscularity, the number of vertebral bodies, and the vertebral mineral contents of animals were compared among different cohorts. Second, the influence of factors such as water temperature, electrode diameter, and pulse type and amplitude were tested. Electrode diameter and pulse amplitude showed a positive correlation with the intensity of the fish's reaction. However, the present experiments confirmed that cod also show variable vulnerability, with injury rates ranging from 0% to 70% after (almost) identical exposures near the electrode. This indicates that these injuries are not only determined by the pulse parameter settings but also by subtle, fish-specific factors. Although the absence of a sensitive group of cod did not enable the elucidation of the conclusive factor, the effect of physiological and morphological factors such as intervertebral ligaments and rearing conditions during early life merit further attention in future research.
Received September 3, 2015; accepted March 16, 2016
Genetic Variability and Population Structure of Gulf Menhaden Compared with Yellowfin Menhaden
Authors: Anderson Joel D. , Torres Autumn D. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Gulf Menhaden Brevoortia patronus is one of the most intensively fished organisms in the Gulf of Mexico. Fishery managers and industry operators have historically worked towards a sustainable fishery and have cooperated on stock assessments to estimate feasible reference points for management. These stock assessments are necessarily rooted in a strong definition of the fishery stock, including the estimation of the number of populations that are exploited. Here, genetic population structure and variability were examined in B. patronus, using genetic markers specifically designed for the species. We observed genetic variability that indicates a relatively high effective population size for a marine finfish (Ne ≥ 1,200), and two analytical approaches implied a single genetic population of B. patronus. We compared the latter finding with the population structure in the closely related Yellowfin Menhaden B. smithi, for which two distinct populations from Florida were identified using the same genetic loci (Fst = 0.015, P = 0.027). These contrasting patterns of population structure between sympatric congeneric species are likely driven by differences in distribution and census size and may relate to factors that originally drove speciation in North American Brevoortia species. The finding of a single Gulf-wide population of B. patronus suggests that there is an extensive migration throughout the species range and supports the notion of a single genetic stock.
Received February 8, 2016; accepted April 5, 2016