bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated luteinizing hormone despite normal testosterone levels in older men—natural history, risk factors and clinical features
Authors: Eendebak Robert J. A. H. , Ahern Tomas , Swiecicka Agnieszka , Pye Stephen R. , O'Neill Terence W. , Bartfai Gyorgy , Casanueva Felipe F. , Maggi Mario , Forti Gianni , Giwercman Aleksander , Han Thang S. , Słowikowska‐Hilczer Jolanta , Lean Michael E. J. , Punab Margus , Pendleton Neil , Keevil Brian G. , Vanderschueren Dirk , Rutter Martin K. , Tampubolon Gindo , Goodacre Royston , Huhtaniemi Ilpo T. , Wu Frederick C. W. ,   the EMAS Group
Published: November 2017

SummaryObjectiveElevated luteinizing hormone (LH) with normal testosterone (T) suggests compensated dysregulation of the gonadal axis. We describe the natural history, risk factors and clinical parameters associated with the development of high LH (HLH, LH >9.4 U/L) in ageing men with normal T (T ≥ 10.5 nmol/L).Design, Patients and MeasurementsWe conducted a 4.3‐year prospective observational study of 3369 community‐dwelling European men aged 40‐79 years. Participants were classified as follows: incident (i) HLH (n = 101, 5.2%); persistent (p) HLH (n = 128, 6.6%); reverted (r) HLH (n = 46, 2.4%); or persistent normal LH (pNLH, n = 1667, 85.8%). Potential predictors and changes in clinical features associated with iHLH and rHLH were analysed using regression models.ResultsAge >70 years (OR = 4.12 [2.07‐8.20]), diabetes (OR = 2.86 [1.42‐5.77]), chronic pain (OR = 2.53 [1.34‐4.77]), predegree education (OR = 1.79 [1.01‐3.20]) and low physical activity (PASE ≤ 78, OR = 2.37 [1.24‐4.50]) predicted development of HLH. Younger age (40‐49 years, OR = 8.14 [1.35‐49.13]) and nonsmoking (OR = 5.39 [1.48‐19.65]) predicted recovery from HLH. Men with iHLH developed erectile dysfunction, poor health, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer more frequently than pNLH men. In pHLH men, comorbidities, including CVD, developed more frequently, and cognitive and physical function deteriorated more, than in pNLH men. Men with HLH developed primary hypogonadism more frequently (OR = 15.97 [5.85‐43.60]) than NLH men. Men with rHLH experienced a small rise in BMI.ConclusionsElevation of LH with normal T is predicted by multiple factors, reverts frequently and is not associated with unequivocal evidence of androgen deficiency. High LH is a biomarker for deteriorating health in aged men who tend to develop primary hypogonadism.
Persistence of contact allergy: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Dittmar Daan , Ofenloch Robert F. , Schuttelaar Marie L. A. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundStudies have shown that not all positive patch test reactions are reproducible upon retesting, that is, persistent. Non‐persistent reactions might represent initial false‐positive reactions, meaning that patients might unnecessarily avoid allergens.ObjectivesTo investigate the occurrence of both persistent and non‐persistent patch test reactions, to explore possible explanations, and to investigate whether allergen‐specific differences exist.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on patients who were patch tested at least twice between 1 January 1995 and 31 October 2016, with at least one positive patch test reaction to an allergen that had been retested. Both univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to investigate the influence of several factors on persistence.ResultsOf 274 retested positive reactions in 119 patients, 183 (66.8%) reactions remained positive. The strongest predictor for non‐persistence in both univariable and multivariable analyses was strength of the first patch test, with weak positive reactions being significantly less persistent. Regarding allergen groups, metals and fragrances were less persistent than other allergens.ConclusionWeak positive reactions have a low persistence rate, and the dermatologist should be conservative in advising the patient on avoidance of these allergens, especially if clinical relevance is uncertain.
Model‐Based Meta‐Analysis for Multiple Myeloma: A Quantitative Drug‐Independent Framework for Efficient Decisions in Oncology Drug Development
Authors: Teng Zhaoyang , Gupta Neeraj , Hua Zhaowei , Liu Guohui , Samnotra Vivek , Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Labotka Richard 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe failure rate for phase III trials in oncology is high; quantitative predictive approaches are needed. We developed a model‐based meta‐analysis (MBMA) framework to predict progression‐free survival (PFS) from overall response rates (ORR) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), using data from seven phase III trials. A Bayesian analysis was used to predict the probability of technical success (PTS) for achieving desired phase III PFS targets based on phase II ORR data. The model demonstrated a strongly correlated (R2 = 0.84) linear relationship between ORR and median PFS. As a representative application of the framework, MBMA predicted that an ORR of ∼66% would be needed in a phase II study of 50 patients to achieve a target median PFS of 13.5 months in a phase III study. This model can be used to help estimate PTS to achieve gold‐standard targets in a target product profile, thereby enabling objectively informed decision‐making.
Trends in substance references in Australian top 20 songs between 1990 and 2015
Authors: Pettigrew Simone , Henriques Isla , Farrier Kaela 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThis study examined references to alcohol and other drugs in top 20 songs over the last quarter of a century to explore the potential for popular music to constitute a barometer for changes occurring in youth consumption of alcohol and other substances.Design and MethodsThe online Australian Recording Industry Association charts resource was accessed to identify the top 20 songs for the period 1990 to 2015 inclusive. The lyrics of the identified songs were imported into NVivo11 for coding and analysis. Two coders analysed each song by line unit and a third coder assisted in resolving any coding discrepancies.ResultsOf the 508 discrete songs, 74 (15%) featured references to alcohol, tobacco and/or illicit drugs. Substance mentions increased over time such that the second half of the study period accounted for three‐quarters of all references. The peak period for mentions was 2008–2012, with 2010 exhibiting an especially high prevalence rate for alcohol references. There was a marked decline in alcohol mentions between 2010 and 2013. The rate at which female artists referred to alcohol increased sharply until 2010 and then decreased.Discussion and ConclusionsPatterns in substance mentions in top 20 songs in more recent years may reflect broader social trends that influence youth substance use. As such, monitoring music lyrics may assist researchers to better understand forces underlying patterns of youth substance use.
Projecting global land use‐driven evolutionary history loss
Authors: Chaudhary Abhishek , Pourfaraj Vahab , Mooers Arne O. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimRecent studies have mapped the global hotspots hosting high phylogenetic diversity (PD), but not the regions where this diversity is under threat due to human land use. This is because, to date, it is not clear how much PD is lost as species of a given taxon go extinct. The aim of this study was to identify the global regions projected to suffer the highest PD loss due to human land use in the near future.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe demonstrate a novel approach combining countryside species–area relationship, species‐specific evolutionary distinctiveness (ED) scores and a newly derived strong linear relationship between the cumulative ED loss and PD loss through pruning simulations on global evolutionary trees of mammals, birds, and amphibians under random species loss, to project global land use‐driven phylogenetic diversity loss in 804 terrestrial ecoregions and 175 countries. We also allocate the total projected PD loss to different land use types (agriculture, forestry, grazing or urbanization) in each region to pinpoint the major drivers.ResultsFor the three taxa combined, we project a total loss of 9,472 million years (MY) of evolutionary history due to all land uses in all countries: 1,541 MY of mammal PD is at stake, 3,336 MY of bird PD and 4,595 MY of amphibian PD. Agriculture is responsible for loss of 1,579 MY; pasture 1990 MY, forestry 5,381 and urbanization 522. Land use in Indonesia, Colombia, India, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar and Philippines is projected to cause the most loss of PD.Main conclusionsThrough the integrated approach, we can now project PD loss associated with species extinctions under alternative land conversion scenarios in a region. Overall, the results on hotspots and land use drivers may inform individual nations in designing regional strategies to achieve the international biodiversity and sustainability targets.
A prospective multicenter phase II study of intrabone marrow transplantation of unwashed cord blood using reduced‐intensity conditioning
Authors: Okada Masaya , Tasaka Taizo , Ikegame Kazuhiro , Aotsuka Nobuyuki , Kobayashi Takeshi , Najima Yuho , Matsuhashi Yoshiko , Wada Hideho , Tokunaga Hirotoshi , Masuda Shinichi , Utsu Yoshikazu , Yoshihara Satoshi , Kaida Katsuji , Daimon Takashi , Ogawa Hiroyasu 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCord blood transplantation (CBT) is associated with delayed hematopoietic recovery and graft failure. To overcome these problems, we conducted a prospective, multicenter phase II study of intrabone marrow transplantation in which patients received reduced‐intensity conditioning without anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG). The primary endpoint was the probability of full donor engraftment. Forty patients with hematologic malignancies were enrolled. Cord blood (CB) cells were injected without washing into 4 iliac bone sites (2 at each hemipelvis), at which approximately 6 mL of CB was administered at one site with local anesthesia. Full donor engraftment rate was 86.8%. The cumulative incidence of neutrophil and platelet engraftment was 86.4% and 85.5%, respectively. The median time to neutrophil (>0.5 × 109/L) and platelet (2.0 × 109/L) recovery was 17.5 and 44 days, respectively. The probability of severe acute graft‐vs‐host disease (GVHD) was 47.5%. The cumulative incidence of extensive chronic GVHD was 3.0%. The probability of relapse and non‐relapse mortality was 30.4% and 28.0%, respectively. The survival rate at 3 years was 45.6%, although most patients were at an advanced stage. These results suggest that our intrabone marrow‐CBT procedure without using ATG improves hematopoietic recovery and decreases the incidence of chronic GVHD, but does not decrease the incidence of acute GVHD.
Effects of observing normal and abnormal goal‐directed hand movements on somatosensory cortical activation
Authors: Cheng Chia‐Hsiung 
Published: November 2017

AbstractExisting evidence indicates the importance of observing correct, normal actions on the motor cortical activities. However, the exact neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly in the somatosensory system, remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of observing normal and abnormal hand movements on the contralateral primary somatosensory (cSI), contralateral (cSII) and ipsilateral (iSII) secondary somatosensory activities. Experiment I was designed to investigate the effects of motor outputs on the somatosensory processing, in which subjects were instructed to relax or manipulate a small cube. Experiment II was tailored to examine the somatosensory responses to the observation of normal (Normal) and abnormal (Abnormal) hand movements. The subjects received electrical stimulation to right median nerve and magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings during the whole experimental period. Regional cortical activation and functional connectivity were analyzed. Compared to the resting condition, a reduction in cSI and an enhancement of SII activation was found when subjects manipulated a cube, suggesting the motor outputs have an influence on the somatosensory responses. Further investigation of the effects of observing different hand movements showed that cSII activity was significantly stronger in the Normal than Abnormal condition. Moreover, compared with Abnormal condition, a higher cortical coherence of cSI‐iSII at theta bands and cSII‐iSII at beta bands was found in Normal condition. Conclusively, the present results suggest stronger activation and enhanced functional connectivity within the somatosensory system during the observation of normal than abnormal hand movements. These findings also highlight the importance of viewing normal, correct hands movements in the stroke rehabilitation.
A comparative evaluation of a new fully automated assay for von Willebrand factor collagen binding activity to an established method
Authors: Stufano F. , Baronciani L. , Mane‐Padros D. , Cozzi G. , Faraudo S. , Peyvandi F. 
Published: November 2017

IntroductionLaboratory diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD) is made by the measurement of von Willebrand factor (VWF) protein level and its activities. Current VWF activity tests include ristocetin cofactor and collagen binding (VWF:CB) assays.AimWe have undertaken an evaluation of a new fully automated VWF:CB assay relative to an established enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.MethodsThe two analytical systems operate with different detection principles: a chemiluminescent method performed on ACL AcuStar Analyzer (the former) and a colorimetric ELISA by Asserachrom Stago (the latter) (type III collagen from human placenta). The HemosIL AcuStar VWF:CB assay is a chemiluminescent 2‐step immunoassay that uses magnetic particles coated with a type III collagen triple‐helical peptide. VWF:CB levels were determined in 50 healthy subjects and 100 VWD patients (22 type 1, 73 type 2 and 5 type 3).ResultsEleven VWD samples reported VWF:CB values below the lower detection limit of one or both methods. The new method showed a good correlation with the ELISA method (r > .9, mean bias 3.85 IU/dL) in both healthy and VWD samples. One of 150 samples gave inconsistent results using the two assays, leading to an uncertain diagnosis of VWD type 1 (ELISA method) or type 2 MCB (fully automated method).ConclusionThe new assay is rapid and simple to use, with its ready‐to‐use reagent cartridges. This VWF:CB assay, in addition to the measurement of VWF:Ag and VWF:RCo made on the same platform, gives additional information for the diagnosis of VWD in both nonspecialized and reference laboratories.
Biochar amendment of fluvio‐glacial temperate sandy subsoil: Effects on maize water uptake, growth and physiology
Authors: Ahmed F. , Arthur E. , Plauborg F. , Razzaghi F. , Kørup K. , Andersen M. N. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCoarse sandy soils have poor water retention capacity, which may constrain crop growth during drought. We investigated the effect of biochar amendment to subsoil on crop physiological processes and maize yield, comparing irrigated and drought conditions. A two‐year greenhouse experiment was conducted with one‐time application of straw biochar at concentrations of 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% (B0, B1, B2 and B3). Maize was planted twice in the same large pots one week and again 12 months after biochar application. Plants were fully irrigated until flowering; thereafter, half of them were subjected to drought. Our results indicate B2 and B3 increased soil water content at field capacity. Leaf water potential, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis and transpiration were maintained in B2 and B3 during the drying cycle in year one and in all biochar levels in year two. In the first year, B3 induced negative root geotropism and significantly reduced vegetative biomass under both irrigation schemes. Cob biomass was significantly reduced by B1 under full irrigation. In year two, B3 significantly increased cob biomass under drought. Nitrogen uptake was significantly reduced by B2 in year one, but increased significantly in B3 in year two. In both years, P uptake was significantly increased by B2 and B3. Furthermore, K uptake was significantly increased in B2 in year one and in all biochar treatments in year two. Overall, biochar improved water content of coarse sandy soil due to decreased bulk density and increased porosity after biochar amendment, consequently, improving crop physiological processes including transpiration and photosynthesis. Significant effects on yields tended to be more negative in the first year, and neutral to positive in the second year suggesting the enhancement of biochar effects with ageing. The positive effect in the second year shows biochar's potential for improving agriculture productivity in drought‐prone regions.
What Happens in Parliament Stays in Parliament? Newspaper Coverage of National Parliaments in EU Affairs
Authors: Auel Katrin , Eisele Olga , Kinski Lucy 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe role of national parliaments in EU matters has become an important subject in the debate over the democratic legitimacy of the European Union. Yet despite a remarkable increase in parliamentary involvement in EU affairs, the added value in terms of democratic legitimacy will remain limited if citizens are not aware of their activities. Given that citizens mainly experience politics through the media, the aim of the paper is therefore to explore whether and under what conditions parliamentary involvement in EU matters is visible in national newspapers. The paper draws on two quantitative datasets covering parliamentary EU activities and relevant newspaper articles in seven Member States between 2010 and 2013. Results suggest that the efforts of active parliaments pay off. In addition, conflict within government coalitions over EU issues and greater salience of EU politics in public opinion increase coverage while, surprisingly, both public and parliamentary euroscepticism do not.
Escaping Populism – Safeguarding Minority Rights: Non‐majoritarian Dynamics in European Policy‐making
Authors: Thielemann Eiko , Zaun Natascha 
Published: November 2017

AbstractContrary to earlier predictions, communitarization in the area of asylum policies has not led to an erosion of refugee rights. Instead, there is growing evidence that EU asylum harmonization has safeguarded existing standards and even enhanced the rights of asylum‐seekers and refugees in Europe. We seek to explain this by building on the insights of principal‐agent theory. We argue that delegation to supranational institutions can strengthen non‐majoritarian policy dynamics and shield EU policy‐makers from populist pressures for further immigration restrictions that national governments are often confronted with. We support this argument empirically through a systematic longitudinal analysis of the evolution of EU asylum policies. In particular, we seek to assess the motivation for and impact of greater delegation to EU institutions on rights developments for asylum‐seekers and refugees. We also explain to what extent EU policy‐making has changed with the EU's response to the ‘Syrian refugee crisis’.
Extraction of different phenolic groups from oats at a nonthermal pilot scale: Effect of solvent composition and cycles
Authors: Fontes‐Candia Cynthia , Ramos‐Sanchez Victor , Chavez‐Flores David , Salmeron Ivan , Perez‐Vega Samuel 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis article explores oat's polyphenols extraction in ethanol/water and methanol/water at a nonthermal pilot scale. Alcohol % (vol/vol) and cycles were controlled by response surface methodology. Eight polyphenols were evaluated (HPLC), together with antioxidant capacity (ORAC) and total polyphenol content (TPC). Model adjusted well in the majority of the cases. Highest TPC and ORAC were obtained with ethanolic mixtures. Vanillic acid and vanillin highest yields were at 14.6% (vol/vol) and 50% (vol/vol) in both alcohols. Hydrocinnamic acids were better extracted at high alcohol concentrations (98–100%, vol/vol), where p‐coumaric acid was the most present. Avenanthramides optimum alcohol extraction composition varied from 50 to 100% (vol/vol). Hence, different polarity behavior was observed (2c > 2f > 2p). Avenanthramide 2c showed the highest yield. Cycles effect varied depending on the polyphenol evaluated, they were more necessary for the extraction of p‐coumaric acid and avenanthramide 2f. Results aid to understand solvation process for a more efficient polyphenols extraction.Practical applicationsThe research fills the gap between reported laboratory work and the lack of experimental scale up data. It considers scale up aspects such as developing a simple and easy to scale process (ambient temperature and 8 bars pressure) and using food grade solvents. Extractions were run with a controlled particle size distribution rather than a specific particle size. A small solvent/solid ratio was kept, since excessive amount of solvent generates expensive downstream operations. Moreover, solvent was reused on each run until the necessary cycles were completed. The optimization here presented will allow a better understanding in the extraction of oat's polyphenols; individually, as group, and total. This will aid for a more robust polyphenols extractions from oat at the food industry.
Evaluation of cleaning methods for residual orange extract on different cookware materials using ELISA with profilin allergen indicator
Authors: Kiyota Kyohei , Sakata Junko , Satsuki‐Murakami Taro , Yoshimitsu Masato , Akutsu Kazuhiko , Ki Masami , Hashimoto Hiroyuki , Kajimura Keiji , Yamano Tetsuo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractUnintentional contamination of cookware with allergen residues causes unexpected allergic reactions to individuals with food allergies. Our aim was to find an efficient cleaning method for residual orange extract as a food allergen on cookware fabricated from four types of materials—polypropylene (PP), wood, stainless steel, and glass—after food preparation. To evaluate the cleaning methods, we developed a novel enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay system using a rabbit polyclonal antibody against a recombinant orange profilin allergen. Using this assay system with a limit of quantification of 2,500 µg/mL, we measured the residual orange extract on the cookware surfaces using swabbing tests. Rinsing with 1 L of water showed a >95% removal efficiency for stainless steel and glass cookware, whereas half the PP and wood cookware required scrubbing with a detergent‐containing sponge for complete cleanliness. Our findings may help reduce the burden for cooks and food manufacturers in controlling fruit allergens.Practical applicationsThe cleaning process is essential in preventing cross‐contamination of food allergens through the equipment surfaces of kitchens and food processing lines. There are no established standard cleaning processes for fruit allergens. The extracts often remain on cookware surfaces after food preparation because of their viscosity. Since even small amounts of allergens can elicit symptoms of food allergies, removing food allergens by cleaning the equipment surfaces is important to avoid unexpected food‐related allergic reactions and produce safe foods for those with food allergies. Here, we investigated efficient cleaning methods using laboratory scale tests for controlling orange allergens. We used orange extract as a representative fruit‐generated adhesive extract on different cookware materials—polypropylene, wood, stainless steel, and glass. Since these materials are commonly used in food processing equipment, our findings could help develop an efficient and economical allergy control method for both cooks and manufacturers of processed fruit without excessive cleaning.