bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hymen protection and the sexual practices, perceptions, and attitudes of female university students from Lebanon
Authors: El Kak Faysal , El Salibi Noura , Yasmine Rola , Ghandour Lilian 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate associations between hymen protection and women's alternative sexual practices, perceptions, and attitudes.MethodsA cross‐sectional online survey was administered among university students (aged 18–30 years) in Lebanon between April 30 and August 31, 2012. The present analysis focused on female students who had engaged in oral/anal sex.ResultsAmong 416 included women, 163 (39.3%) reported anal/oral sex to protect their hymen. Women ever concerned with hymen protection were less likely to be non‐Lebanese and not religious/spiritual, but more likely to report unwanted sexual activities, a relationship in which they felt things were moving too fast physically, and to feel guilty about sexual feelings (all P<0.01). They were two‐to‐three times more likely to agree that it is harder to refuse sex after the first time and that oral sex is not as big of a deal as sexual intercourse (both P<0.001). Concerned women who later engaged in vaginal sex (n=75) were less religious and more accepting of premarital sex than were those who continued to protect their hymen (n=88; all P<0.005).ConclusionWomen concerned about hymen‐breaking engage in alternative sexual practices, yet experience pressure, guilt, worry, and indecisiveness regarding their sex‐related decisions. The navigation of sexual decisions is a more vulnerable process for these women because of prevailing patriarchal values and discriminating gender norms in Lebanon.
Osteoinductive porous biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic as an alternative to autogenous bone grafting in the treatment of mandibular bone critical‐size defects
Authors: Santos Paula Sanches , Cestari Tania Mary , Paulin Jéssica Botto , Martins Renato , Rocha Caroline Andrade , Arantes Ricardo Vinícius Nunes , Costa Bruna Carolina , dos Santos Cássio Morilla , Assis Gerson Francisco , Taga Rumio 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe bone‐induction capacity of a porous biphasic calcium phosphate (pBCP) using heterotopic implantation in mouse (mHI‐model) and its efficacy as substitute for autograft in mandibular critical‐size defect in rabbit (rabMCSD‐model) was investigated. In mHI‐model, pBCP was implanted into the thigh muscles and bone formation was histomorphometrically and immunohistochemically evaluated. In rabMCSD‐model, 13 mm bone defects were treated with pBCP or autograft and bone repair comparatively evaluated by radiographic and histomorphometric methods. In mHI‐model, formed bone and immunolabeling for bone morphogenetic protein‐2 and osteopontin were observed in 90% of pBCP implanted samples after 12 weeks. In rabMCSD‐model neither statistically significant difference was found in newly formed bone between pBCP and autograft groups at 4 weeks (18.8 ± 5.5% vs 27.1 ± 5.6%), 8 weeks (22.3 ± 2.7% vs 26.2 ± 5.1), and 12 weeks (19.6 ± 4.7% vs 19.6 ± 2.3%). At 12 weeks, the stability and contour of the mandible were restored in both treatments. Near tooth remaining, pBCP particles were covered by small amount of mineralized tissue exhibiting perpendicular attachments of collagen fiber bundles with histological characteristic of acellular cementum. Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that pBCP is osteoinductive and able to stimulate the new formation of bone and cementum‐like tissues in rabMCSD‐model, suggesting that it may be an alternative to treatment of large bone defect and in periodontal regenerative therapy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1546–1557, 2018.
Preoperative predictors of conversion as indicators of local inflammation in acute cholecystitis: strategies for future studies to develop quantitative predictors
Authors: Panni Roheena Z. , Strasberg Steven M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundObservational studies have identified risk factors for conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability of these predictors and to identify sources of heterogeneity in the studies.MethodsOVID was searched for papers published from 1995 to 2016. Studies with more than 100 patients were included. Risk factors for conversion were abstracted and categorized by statistical significance.ResultsEleven studies were evaluated. Inflammation with difficulty in anatomic identification was the most common reason of conversion. Because of heterogeneity among studies a quantitative approach was not possible. Therefore, qualitative analysis using a heat map was performed along with investigation into sources of heterogeneity with the aim of creating a framework for future quantitative studies. Age, maleness, and white blood cell count were most commonly identified predictors of conversion. Sources of heterogeneity were criteria for diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, selection of patients for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, selection of variables and variations in their thresholds.ConclusionsIn acute cholecystitis, inflammation is the most common reason for conversion. Age, maleness and white blood cell count are common predictors of conversion. Large scale prospective studies with minimal heterogeneity are needed to establish validity of these and other predictors.
Allometry and morphometrics of clypeal membrane size and shape in Nicrophorus (Coleoptera: Silphidae)
Authors: Wormington Jillian D. , Luttbeg Barney 
Published: July 2017

AbstractContests between same‐sex opponents over resources necessary for reproduction, as well interactions used to discern mate quality, often involve exaggerated traits wherein large individuals have disproportionately larger traits. This positive allometric scaling of weapons or signals facilitates communication during social interactions by accentuating body size differences between individuals. Typically, males carry these exaggerated traits, as males must compete over limited female gametes. However, in Nicrophorus beetles both males and females engage in physical contests over the vertebrate carcasses they need to provision and raise offspring. Male and female Nicrophorus beetles have extended clypeal membranes directly above their mandibles, which could serve as signals. We investigated the scaling relationships between clypeal membrane size and shape and body size for five species of North American burying beetle to determine whether clypeal membranes contain exaggerated body size information. We found that clypeal membranes for both sexes of all species scaled positively with body size (slope > 1). Three of the five species also displayed sexual dimorphism in aspects of clypeal membrane size and shape allometry despite lack of dimorphism in body size. In two dimorphic species, small male clypeal membranes were statistically indistinguishable from the female form. We conclude that colored clypeal membranes in Nicrophorus beetles do contain exaggerated body size information. Observed patterns of dimorphism suggest that males sometimes experience stronger selection on marking size and shape, which might be explained by life history differences among species.
Accuracy of eight deformable image registration (DIR) methods for tomotherapy megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) images
Authors: Nobnop Wannapha , Neamin Hudsaleark , Chitapanarux Imjai , Wanwilairat Somsak , Lorvidhaya Vicharn , Sanghangthum Taweap 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe application of deformable image registration (DIR) to megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) images benefits adaptive radiotherapy. This study aims to quantify the accuracy of DIR for MVCT images when using different deformation methods assessed in a cubic phantom and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.MethodsIn the control studies, the DIR accuracy in air‐tissue and tissue‐tissue interface areas was observed using twelve shapes of acrylic and tissue‐equivalent material inserted in the phantom. In the clinical studies, the 1st and 20th fraction MVCT images of seven NPC patients were used to evaluate application of DIR. The eight DIR methods used in the DIRART software varied in (i) transformation framework (asymmetric or symmetric), (ii) DIR registration algorithm (Demons or Optical Flow) and (iii) mapping direction (forward or backward). The accuracy of the methods was compared using an intensity‐based criterion (correlation coefficient, CC) and volume‐based criterion (Dice's similarity coefficient, DSC).ResultsThe asymmetric transformation with Optical Flow showed the best performance for air‐tissue interface areas, with a mean CC and DSC of 0.97 ± 0.03 and 0.79 ± 0.11 respectively. The symmetric transformation with Optical Flow showed good agreement for tissue‐tissue interface areas with a CC of (0.99 ± 0.01) and DSC of (0.89 ± 0.03). The sequences of target domains were significantly different in tissue‐tissue interface areas.ConclusionsThe deformation method and interface area affected the accuracy of DIR. The validation techniques showed satisfactory volume matching of greater than 0.7 with DSC analysis. The methods can yield acceptable results for clinical applications.
Effect of apple polyphenols on vascular oxidative stress and endothelium function: a translational study
Authors: Cicero Arrigo F.G. , Caliceti Cristiana , Fogacci Federica , Giovannini Marina , Calabria Donato , Colletti Alessandro , Veronesi Maddalena , Roda Aldo , Borghi Claudio 
Published: July 2017

ScopeWe aimed examining apple polyphenols’ effect on uricemia and endothelial function in a sample of overweight subjects.Methods and resultsThis was a two‐phased study. In vitro experiment aimed to evaluate apple polyphenols’ ability to lower uric acid in comparison with allopurinol. In vivo study consisted in a randomized, double‐blind, parallel placebo‐controlled clinical trial involving 62 overweight volunteers with suboptimal values of fasting plasma glucose (100 mg/dL≤FPG≤125 mg/dL), randomized to 300 mg apple polyphenols or placebo for 8 weeks.Apple polyphenols extract inhibited xanthine oxidase activity, with an IC50 = 130 ± 30 ng/mL; reducing uric acid production with an IC50 = 154 ± 28 ng/mL. During the trial, after the first 4 weeks of treatment, FPG decreased in the active treated group (−6.1%, p < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed regarding the other hematochemistry parameters. After 4 more weeks of treatment, active‐treated patients had an improvement in FPG compared to baseline (−10.3%, p < 0,001) and the placebo group (p < 0,001). Uric acid (−14.0%, p < 0.05 versus baseline; p < 0.05 versus placebo) and endothelial reactivity (0.24±0.09, p = 0.009 versus baseline; p < 0.05 versus placebo) significantly improved too.ConclusionIn vivo, apple polyphenols extract has a positive effect on vascular oxidative stress and endothelium function and reduce FPG and uric acid by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, as our In vitro experiment attests.
Exploring the screening capacity of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory‐Short Form for clinical levels of fear of cancer recurrence
Authors: Fardell Joanna E. , Jones Georden , Smith Allan Ben , Lebel Sophie , Thewes Belinda , Costa Daniel , Tiller Kerry , Simard Sébastien , Feldstain Andrea , Beattie Sara , McCallum Megan ,   on behalf of the Conquer Fear authorship group, Butow Phyllis 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveFear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common concern among cancer survivors. Identifying survivors with clinically significant FCR requires validated screening measures and clinical cut‐offs. We evaluated the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory‐Short Form (FCRI‐SF) clinical cut‐off in 2 samples.MethodsLevel of FCR in study 1 participants (from an Australian randomized controlled trial: ConquerFear) was compared with FCRI‐SF scores. Based on a biopsychosocial interview, clinicians rated participants as having nonclinical, subclinical, or clinical FCR. Study 2 participants (from a Canadian FCRI‐English validation study) were classified as having clinical or nonclinical FCR by using the semistructured clinical interview for FCR (SIFCR). Receiver operating characteristic analyses evaluated the screening ability of the FCRI‐SF against clinician ratings (study 1) and the SIFCR (study 2).ResultsIn study 1, 167 cancer survivors (mean age: 53 years, SD = 10.1) participated. Clinicians rated 43% as having clinical FCR. In study 2, 40 cancer survivors (mean age: 68 years, SD = 7.0) participated; 25% met criteria for clinical FCR according to the SIFCR. For both studies 1 and 2, receiver operating characteristic analyses suggested a cut‐off ≥22 on the FCRI‐SF identified cancer survivors with clinical levels of FCR with adequate sensitivity and specificity.ConclusionsEstablishing clinical cut‐offs on FCR screening measures is crucial to tailoring individual care and conducting rigorous research. Our results suggest using a higher cut‐off on the FCRI‐SF than previously reported to identify clinically significant FCR. Continued evaluation and validation of the FCRI‐SF cut‐off is required across diverse cancer populations.
EPR Oximetry of Cetuximab-Treated Head-and-Neck Tumours in a Mouse Model
Authors: Gustafsson H. , Kale A. , Dasu A. , Lund A. , Edqvist P.-H. , Roberg K. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumours are associated with high mortality despite advances in therapy. The monoclonal antibody cetuximab (Erbitux®) has been approved for the treatment of advanced HNSCC. However, only a subset of HNSC patients receiving cetuximab actually responds to treatment, underlining the need for a means to tailor treatments of individual patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cetuximab treatment on tumour growth, on tumour partial oxygen pressure as measured by LiPc electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry and on the expression of proteins involved in tumour growth, metabolism and hypoxia. Two HNSCC cell lines, UT-SCC-2 and UT-SCC-14, were used to generate xenografts on female BALB/c (nu/nu) nude mice. Mice with xenografts were given three injections of intraperitoneal cetuximab or phosphate-buffered saline, and the tumour volume was recorded continuously. After treatment the tumour partial oxygen pressure was measured by LiPc electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry and the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphorylated EGFR, Ki-67, MCT1, MCT4, GLUT1, CAIX and HIF-1α were investigated by immunohistochemistry. In xenografts from both cell lines (UT-SCC-2 and UT-SCC-14) cetuximab had effect on the tumour volume but the effect was more pronounced on UT-SCC-14 xenografts. A higher tumour oxygenation was measured in cetuximab-treated tumours from both cell lines compared to untreated controls. Immunocytochemical staining after cetuximab treatment shows a significantly decreased expression of EGFR, pEGFR, Ki67, CAIX and nuclear HIF-1α in UT-SCC-14 tumours compared to untreated controls. MCT1 and GLUT1 were significantly decreased in tumours from both cell lines but more pronounced in UT-SCC-14 tumours. Taken together, our results show that cetuximab treatment decreases the tumour growth and increases the tumour partial oxygen pressure of HNSCC xenografts. Furthermore we found a potential connection between the partial oxygen pressure of the tumours and the expression of proteins involved in tumour growth, metabolism and hypoxia.
Computational tools for Hi‐C data analysis
Authors: Han Zhijun , Wei Gang 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundIn eukaryotic genome, chromatin is not randomly distributed in cell nuclei, but instead is organized into higher‐order structures. Emerging evidence indicates that these higher‐order chromatin structures play important roles in regulating genome functions such as transcription and DNA replication. With the advancement in 3C (chromosome conformation capture) based technologies, Hi‐C has been widely used to investigate genome‐wide long‐range chromatin interactions during cellular differentiation and oncogenesis. Since the first publication of Hi‐C assay in 2009, lots of bioinformatic tools have been implemented for processing Hi‐C data from mapping raw reads to normalizing contact matrix and high interpretation, either providing a whole workflow pipeline or focusing on a particular process.ResultsThis article reviews the general Hi‐C data processing workflow and the currently popular Hi‐C data processing tools. We highlight on how these tools are used for a full interpretation of Hi‐C results.ConclusionsHi‐C assay is a powerful tool to investigate the higher‐order chromatin structure. Continued development of novel methods for Hi‐C data analysis will be necessary for better understanding the regulatory function of genome organization.
Acardiac Twin: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Beck Manisha Madhai , Rathore Swati , Benjamin Santhosh Joseph 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMultiple gestations, especially monochorionic twins are associated with unique complications such as twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence due to preferential blood flow within the vascular communications between the two fetuses. TRAP sequence is a rare complication of monochorionic twins. The authors describe two cases of acardiac twins, one diagnosed at 17 weeks and the other at 24 weeks. While the first one was lost to follow-up, the second pregnancy was managed expectantly with close antepartum surveillance and had a term vaginal delivery of a healthy baby, along with the acardiac twin which was non-viable. The pump twin continues to be developmentally normal.
Predictors of quality of life in patients with eating disorders
Authors: Martín J. , Padierna A. , Loroño A. , Muñoz P. , Quintana J.M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackground:The aims of this study were to analyse the quality of life (QoL) of a broad sample of patients with eating disorders (ED) and to identify potential factors that predict QoL.Methods:This prospective cohort study involved 528 patients diagnosed with ED and treated over a 15-year period in the Eating Disorders Outpatient Clinic. Information on sociodemographic and clinical data were gathered. Patients completed five self-administered instruments: the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26); the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS); the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); the Short-Form 12 (SF-12); and the Quality of Life in ED-short form (HeRQoLED-s). Descriptive, univariate analyses and multivariate linear regression models were applied to identify factors associated with QoL.Results:Predictive variables for a low level of QoL in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) included antidepressant treatment (P = 0.009), substance abuse disorder, (P = 0.03) and other organic comorbidities (P < 0.0001). For patients with bulimia nervosa (BN), they included osteoporosis (P = 0.0001), obesity (P = 0.0004) or being a student (P = 0.04). For patients with eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS), they included anxiolytic treatment (P = 0.003), having circulatory disease (P = 0.001), more years since start of ED treatment (P = 0.03) and living alone (P < 0.0001).Conclusions:We found a significant difference in QoL between the diagnostic ED groups. With regard to the variables predicting QoL in ED patients, the findings of this study suggest that organic or psychiatric comorbidities and some data of social normality might be more relevant to QoL in ED than age, type of compensatory behaviour, BMI or number of visits to hospital emergency department.
Developmental neurotoxicity and autism: A potential link between indoor neuroactive pollutants and the curious birth order risk factor
Authors: Gray Wesley A. , Billock Vincent A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractEpidemiological and demographic studies find an increased risk of autism among first‐borns. Toxicological studies show that some semi‐volatile substances found in infant products produce adverse effects in neural and endocrine systems of animals, including behavioral and developmental effects. Several factors elevate the exposure of human infants to these chemicals. The highest exposures found in infants are comparable to the exposures that induce neural toxicity in animals. A review of these literatures suggests a linking hypothesis that could bridge the epidemiological and toxicological lines of evidence: an infant's exposure to neuroactive compounds emitted by infant products is increased by product newness and abundance; exposure is likely maximized for first‐born children in families that can afford new products. Exposure is reduced for subsequently‐born children who reuse these now neuroactive‐depleted products. The presence of neuroactive chemical emissions from infant products has implications for birth‐order effects and for other curious risk factors in autism, including gender, socioeconomic status, and season‐of‐birth risk factors.
The mediation effect of political interest on the connection between social trust and wellbeing among older adults
Authors: PIUMATTI GIOVANNI , MAGISTRO DANIELE , ZECCA MASSIMILIANO , ESLIGER DALE W. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTPrevious research has established significant positive associations between social trust and wellbeing among older adults. This study aimed to obtain a deeper understanding of the relationship between different sources of social trust and wellbeing by examining the mediational role of political interest. A sample of 4,406 Italian residents aged 65 years and over was extracted from a national cross-sectional survey during 2013 in Italy, representative of the non-institutionalised population. Measures included trust in people, trust in institutions, political interest, life satisfaction and self-perceived health. Mediation path analysis and structural equation modelling were used to test the mediation effects of political interest on the relationship between trust in people and trust in institutions with life satisfaction and self-perceived health. Associations between trust in people, life satisfaction and self-perceived health, and between trust in institutions and life satisfaction were partially mediated by political interest, while the association between trust in institutions and self-perceived health was fully mediated by political interest. Having high levels of political interest may thus enhance the relationship between social trust and wellbeing among older adults. These results suggest that interventions to enhance wellbeing in older adults may benefit from examining individuals’ levels of political interest.
Traces, high powers and one level density for families of curves over finite fields
Authors: BUCUR ALINA , COSTA EDGAR , DAVID CHANTAL , GUERREIRO JOÃO , LOWRY–DUDA DAVID 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe zeta function of a curve C over a finite field may be expressed in terms of the characteristic polynomial of a unitary matrix ΘC. We develop and present a new technique to compute the expected value of tr(ΘCn) for various moduli spaces of curves of genus g over a fixed finite field in the limit as g is large, generalising and extending the work of Rudnick [Rud10] and Chinis [Chi16]. This is achieved by using function field zeta functions, explicit formulae, and the densities of prime polynomials with prescribed ramification types at certain places as given in [BDF+16] and [Zha]. We extend [BDF+16] by describing explicit dependence on the place and give an explicit proof of the Lindelöf bound for function field Dirichlet L-functions L(1/2 + it, χ). As applications, we compute the one-level density for hyperelliptic curves, cyclic ℓ-covers, and cubic non-Galois covers.