bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of atopy and tentative diagnosis of skin cancer – results from occupational skin cancer screenings
Authors: Schäfer I. , Mohr P. , Zander N. , Fölster‐Holst R. , Augustin M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe relationship between atopic conditions and carcinoma of the skin has been described inconsistently. Population‐based data providing information on atopic diseases as well as on skin cancer are sparse.ObjectiveTo determine the correlation between atopy and prevalence of precanceroses, non‐melanoma skin cancer and malignant melanoma (MM), while taking into account known risk factors for skin cancer.MethodsData from occupational skin cancer screenings were analysed in a cross‐sectional study. Dermatologists performed whole body examinations and collected medical histories. Subjects comprised all employees (16–70 years) examined from 2006 to 2014. ‘Atopy’ was defined by clinical screening diagnosis and/or by participant‐reported, pre‐existing atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma or other specified allergies confirmed by a physician. Tentative screening diagnoses of skin cancer related to actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.ResultsThe study cohort comprised 90 265 employees (mean age 43 ± 11 years, 58.5% male), 30.7% of whom were ever diagnosed with an atopic disease. Persons with atopic conditions recorded in their medical history and at the time of screening had a significantly lower prevalence of actinic keratosis (AK), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and MM. After controlling for age, sex and relevant risk factors (skin type, childhood sun burns), atopy remained significantly protective against BCC (OR 0.77) and MM (OR 0.53).ConclusionDesign limitations of the study include that all findings of skin cancer were based on clinical examination only and must therefore be considered tentative diagnoses. Furthermore, owing to the cross‐sectional study design, causal pathways cannot be proven. However, analyses of data from such a large and general population‐based cohort afford valuable insights into the relationship between atopic diseases and skin cancer. They provide the grounds for prospective cohort studies to evaluate and dissect the underlying mechanism.
How Hospital Clinicians Select Patients for Skilled Nursing Facilities
Authors: Burke Robert E. , Lawrence Emily , Ladebue Amy , Ayele Roman , Lippmann Brandi , Cumbler Ethan , Allyn Rebecca , Jones Jacqueline 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveTo understand how hospital‐based clinicians evaluate older adults in the hospital and decide who will be transferred to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for postacute care.DesignSemistructured interviews paired with a qualitative analytical approach informed by Social Constructivist theory.SettingInpatient care units in three hospitals. Purposive sampling was used to maximize variability in hospitals, units within hospitals, and staff on those units.ParticipantsClinicians (hospitalists, nurses, therapists, social workers, case managers) involved in evaluation and decision‐making regarding postacute care (N = 25).MeasurementsCentral themes related to clinician evaluation and discharge decision‐making.ResultsClinicians described pressure to expedite evaluation and discharge decisions, resulting in the use of SNFs as a “safety net” for older adults being discharged from the hospital. The lack of hospital‐based clinician knowledge of SNF care practices, quality, or patient outcomes resulted in lack of a standardized evaluation process or a clear primary decision‐maker.ConclusionHospital clinician evaluation and decision‐making about postacute care in SNFs may be characterized as rushed, without a clear system or framework for making decisions and uninformed by knowledge of SNF or patient outcomes in those discharged to SNFs. This leads to SNFs being used as a “safety net” for many older adults. As hospitals and SNFs are increasingly held jointly accountable for outcomes of individuals transitioning between hospitals and SNFs, novel solutions for improving evaluation and decision‐making are urgently needed.
Selecting a Skilled Nursing Facility for Postacute Care: Individual and Family Perspectives
Authors: Gadbois Emily A. , Tyler Denise A. , Mor Vincent 
Published: July 2017

ObjectivesTo describe individuals' experiences during the hospital discharge planning and skilled nursing facility (SNF) selection process.DesignSemistructured interviews focusing on discharge planning and nursing facility selection, including how facilities were chosen, who was involved, and what factors were important in decision‐making.Setting14 SNFs in five cities across the United States.ParticipantsNewly admitted, previously community‐dwelling SNF residents (N = 98) and their family members.MeasurementSemistructured interviews were qualitatively coded to identify underlying themes.ResultsMost respondents reported receiving only a list of SNF names and addresses from discharge planners and that hospital staff were minimally involved. Proximity to home and prior experience with the facility most often influenced choice of SNF. Most respondents reported being satisfied with their placement, although many stated that they would have been willing to travel further to another SNF were it recommended. Many reported feeling rushed and unprepared, stating that they did not know where or how to get help.ConclusionSNF placement is a stressful transition, occurring when people are physically vulnerable and with limited guidance from discharge planners. Therefore, most people select a facility based on its location, perhaps because they are provided with no other information. Given Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' proposed changes to the discharge planning process, this research highlights the value of providing people and family caregivers with quality data and assistance in interpreting it.
ARR12 promotes de novo shoot regeneration in Arabidopsis thaliana via activation of WUSCHEL expression
Authors: Dai Xuehuan , Liu Zhenhua , Qiao Meng , Li Juan , Li Shuo , Xiang Fengning 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAuxin and cytokinin direct cell proliferation and differentiation during the in vitro culture of plant cells, but the molecular basis of these processes, especially de novo shoot regeneration, has not been fully elucidated. Here, we describe the regulatory control of shoot regeneration in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh, based on the interaction of ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATOR12 (ARR12) and WUSCHEL (WUS). The major site of ARR12 expression coincided with the location where the shoot apical meristem (SAM) initiated. The arr12 mutants showed severely impaired shoot regeneration and reduced responsiveness to cytokinin; consistent with this, the overexpression of ARR12 enhanced shoot regeneration. Certain shoot meristem specification genes, notably WUSCHEL (WUS) and CLAVATA3, were significantly downregulated in the arr12 explants. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and transient activation assays demonstrated that ARR12 binds to the promoter of WUS. These observations indicate that during shoot regeneration, in vitro, ARR12 functions as a molecular link between cytokinin signaling and the expression of shoot meristem specification genes.
The effect of cutaneous prostaglandin application on nail growth, nail brittleness, and intraocular pressure
Authors: Palmer David J. , Scheman Andrew , Tanna Angelo P. , Bueno Alex 
Published: July 2017

SummaryBackgroundBimatoprost has known adnexal activity and was observed to increase nail growth at two clinical centers.ObjectivesIn this randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled pilot study, we examine the effect of bimatoprost (Lumigan 0.01%), applied bid to the proximal nail fold on nail growth, nail brittleness, and intraocular pressure.MethodsBimatoprost drops were placed on the proximal nail folds of 45 subjects on one hand (medication group) and vehicle drops to the other hand (control group). Baseline and final nail growth measurements, Goldmann applanation tensions of both eyes, and photos at 30 days were performed. Nail brittleness was subjectively graded.ResultsFor the 38 subjects completing the study, the final mean nail growth of the hands, the net individual nail growth of the digits (excluding chipped nails), nail brittleness, and eye pressure readings were NS at P<.05. Photos revealed no increased hirsutism, but one subject with increased skin pigmentation. The drops were well tolerated without adverse effects. Nail chipping was a limitation of the study.ConclusionsDespite the negative results in this pilot study on nail growth and brittleness, further studies with higher bimatoprost concentration (0.03%) are warranted. We recommend monitoring nail growth by etching or marking the nail rather than measuring the full nail length due to our chipped nail findings.
Reasons women do not seek health care for dysmenorrhea
Authors: Chen Chen X , Shieh Carol , Draucker Claire B , Carpenter Janet S 
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectivesTo identify and describe reasons women do not seek health care for dysmenorrhea symptoms.BackgroundAlthough dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among women, can cause significant disruptions in their daily lives, and may increase their risk for future chronic pain conditions, few women seek health care for dysmenorrhea. A better understanding of why women do not seek health care is necessary to develop strategies that facilitate care seeking and optimal symptom management.DesignA qualitative descriptive design was used to guide the study and summarise text responses to an open‐ended survey question.MethodsParticipants in an online survey study who had not sought health care for dysmenorrhea (N = 509) were asked to write about their reasons for not seeking care. Data were collected in January and February 2015. Participants’ text responses were analysed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsNine categories of reasons were identified as follows: assuming symptoms are normal, preferring to self‐manage symptoms, having limited resources, thinking providers would not offer help, being unaware of treatment options, considering symptoms to be tolerable, being wary of available treatments, feeling embarrassed or afraid to seek care and not seeking health care generally.ConclusionsFindings can guide the development of strategies to promote care seeking and inform policy and clinical practice to improve dysmenorrhea management.Relevance to clinical practiceFindings underscore the need to provide routine screening for dysmenorrhea, avoid dismissing dysmenorrhea symptoms, initiate discussions and provide education about dysmenorrhea, provide treatments options based on evidence and women's preferences and raise public awareness of dysmenorrhea and its impact.
The influence of light on copper‐limited growth of an oceanic diatom,Thalassiosira oceanica(Coscinodiscophyceae)
Authors: Kim Jun‐Woo , Price Neil M. 
Published: July 2017

Thalassiosira oceanica(CCMP1005) was grown over a range of copper concentrations at saturating and subsaturating irradiance to test the hypothesis that Cu and light were interacting essential resources. Growth was a hyperbolic function of irradiance in Cu‐replete medium (263 fmol Cu′ · L−1) with maximum rates achieved at 200 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1. Lowering the Cu concentration at this irradiance to 30.8 fmol Cu′ · L−1decreased cellular Cu quota by 7‐fold and reduced growth rate by 50%. Copper‐deficient cells had significantly slower (P < 0.0001) rates of maximum, relative photosynthetic electron transport (rETRmax) than Cu‐sufficient cells, consistent with the role of Cu in photosynthesis in this diatom. In low‐Cu medium (30.8 fmol Cu′ · L−1), growth rate was best described as a positive, linear function of irradiance and reached the maximum value measured in Cu‐replete cells when irradiance increased to 400 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1. Thus, at high light, low‐Cu concentration was no longer limiting to growth: Cu concentration and light interacted strongly to affect growth rate ofT. oceanica(P < 0.0001). RelativeETRmaxand Cu quota of cells grown at low Cu also increased at 400 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1to levels measured in Cu‐replete cells. Steady‐state uptake rates of Cu‐deficient and sufficient cells were light‐dependent, suggesting that faster growth ofT. oceanicaunder high light and low Cu was a result of light‐stimulated Cu uptake.
Changes of Bladder M1,3 Muscarinic Receptor Expression in Rats Fed with Short‐Term/Long‐Term High‐Fat Diets
Authors: LIN Chian‐Shiung , WU Tony T.‐L. , CHANG Chin‐Hong , CHENG Juei‐Tang , TONG Yat‐Ching 
Published: July 2017

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of high‐fat diet (HFD) on bladder M1,3 muscarinic receptor expression and contractile function in the rat.MethodsEight‐week‐old male rats were divided into two groups including one with HFD for 8 weeks (short‐term) and the other for 24 weeks (long‐term). Each group was compared to age‐matched rats fed with normal chow as controls. The body weight, food intake amount and blood biochemistry were monitored. Bladder muscle contractile responses to acetylcholine (0.1–10 μM), bethanechol (10 μM) and KCl (50 mM) were studied in an organ bath set‐up. Bladder M1 and M3 muscarinic receptor protein expressions were measured by Western blotting analysis.ResultsIncrease in body weight as well as blood triglyceride, cholesterol and sugar levels compared to controls were noted in both 8‐ and 24‐week HFD rats. Eating appetite change with increased food and water intakes was noted in the HFD rats. Significantly decreased bladder contractile responses to acetylcholine and bethanechol were shown in both HFD groups. On the other hand, decreased bladder contractile response to KCl was demonstrated in the 24‐week group but not the 8‐week group. The expressions of bladder M1 and M3 muscarinic receptor proteins were significantly and progressively decreased by HFD feeding from 8 to 24 weeks.ConclusionsHigh‐fat diet induces obesity and polyphagia in rats. Short‐term and long‐term HFD feeding decrease rat bladder M1 and M3 receptor expressions as well as contractile responses to the agonistic stimulation. In addition, bladder muscle dysfunction develops after long‐term HFD feeding.
Transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation for intraoperative verification of internal anal sphincter innervation
Authors: Kauff D. W. , Moszkowski T. , Wegner C. , Heimann A. , Hoffmann K.‐P. , Krüger T. B. , Lang H. , Kneist W. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe current standard for pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring (pIONM) is based on intermittent direct nerve stimulation. This study investigated the potential use of transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation for non‐invasive verification of pelvic autonomic nerves.MethodsA consecutive series of six pigs underwent low anterior rectal resection. For transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation, an array of ten electrodes (cathodes) was placed over the sacral foramina (S2 to S4). Anodes were applied on the back, right and left thigh, lower abdomen, and intra‐anally. Stimulation using the novel method and current standard were performed at different phases of the experiments under electromyography of the autonomic innervated internal anal sphincter (IAS).Key ResultsTranscutaneous stimulation induced increase of IAS activity could be observed in each animal under specific cathode‐anode configurations. Out of 300 tested configurations, 18 exhibited a change in the IAS activity correlated with intentional autonomic nerve damage. The damage resulted in a significant decrease of the relative area under the curve of the IAS frequency spectrum (P<.001). Comparison of the IAS spectra under transcutaneous and direct stimulation revealed no significant difference (after rectal resection: median 5.99 μV•Hz vs 7.78 μV•Hz, P=.12; after intentional nerve damage: median −0.27 μV•Hz vs 3.35 μV•Hz, P=.29).Conclusions and InferencesNon‐invasive selective transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation could be used for verification of IAS innervation.
An R2R3‐MYB transcription factor represses the transformation of α‐ and β‐branch carotenoids by negatively regulating expression of CrBCH2 and CrNCED5 in flavedo of Citrus reticulate
Authors: Zhu Feng , Luo Tao , Liu Chaoyang , Wang Yang , Yang Hongbin , Yang Wei , Zheng Li , Xiao Xue , Zhang Mingfei , Xu Rangwei , Xu Jianguo , Zeng Yunliu , Xu Juan , Xu Qiang , Guo Wenwu , Larkin Robert M. , Deng Xiuxin , Cheng Yunjiang 
Published: July 2017

Summary

Although the functions of carotenogenic genes are well documented, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate their expression, especially those genes involved in α ‐ and β‐branch carotenoid metabolism.

In this study, an R2R3‐MYB transcriptional factor (CrMYB68) that directly regulates the transformation of α‐ and β‐branch carotenoids was identified using Green Ougan (MT), a stay‐green mutant of Citrus reticulata cv Suavissima. A comprehensive analysis of developing and harvested fruits indicated that reduced expression of β‐carotene hydroxylases 2 (CrBCH2) and 9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 5 (CrNCED5) was responsible for the delay in the transformation of α‐ and β‐carotene and the biosynthesis of ABA. Additionally, the expression of these genes was negatively correlated with the expression of CrMYB68 in MT.

Further, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and dual luciferase assays indicated that CrMYB68 can directly and negatively regulate CrBCH2 and CrNCED5. Moreover, transient overexpression experiments using leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana indicated that CrMYB68 can also negatively regulate NbBCH2 and NbNCED5.

To overcome the difficulty of transgenic validation, we quantified the concentrations of carotenoids and ABA, and gene expression in a revertant of MT. The results of these experiments provide more evidence that CrMYB68 is an important regulator of carotenoid metabolism.
A social media program to increase adolescent seat belt use
Authors: Drake Stacy A. , Zhang Ni , Applewhite Courtney , Fowler Katherine , Holcomb John B. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn response to motor vehicle crashes remaining the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States, a nursing clinical group (n = 10) in conjunction with a local hospital injury prevention program created an educational campaign to bolster seat belt use. The nursing students created an Instagram account to serve as an educational tool to promote seat belt use among teenagers aged 14–19, and the program was presented at three high school health fairs. In all, 135 postings were made to the account over a 3‐month period. The number of likes posted by high school students was the unit of analysis. The most significant result (p = .01) was the difference between postings most liked (celebrities wearing seat belts) and least liked (postings made at the high school health fair), otherwise, differences among postings liked (humor postings, response requests, pictures of celebrities, factual data) were not significant. Instagram user engagement, measured in number of likes, is indicative that social media provides platforms to promote injury prevention efforts. Further research is needed to identify measurable elements of social media and to follow‐up on behavioral changes following participation.
Impacts of artisanal gold mining systems on soil and woody vegetation in the semi‐arid environment of northern Ethiopia
Authors: Meaza Hailemariam , Ali Mushir , Tesfamariam Zbelo , Abebe Niguse 
Published: July 2017

Gold mining is a tremendously important economic activity in rural districts of Ethiopia. We assessed the impacts of artisanal gold mining on soil and woody vegetation in northern Ethiopia. Estimation of soil loss, plant inventory, group discussions and transect studies were used to address the research questions. We employed t‐test to compare woody species and soil loss between mined and unmined sites. Moreover, we ran one‐way ANOVA to compare the average volume of soil loss among the mining sites. The study shows that gold mining removed colossal volumes of soil from the mining landscape with a significant difference among gold mining sites (P ≤ 0.05). Soil loss between the mined and unmined sites was also significant (P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, gold mining destroyed massive tracts of vegetation. Woody species encountered at plot level decreased from artisanal gold mined to unmined sites (P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, dead trees and exposed tree roots were higher in mined than the unmined areas (P ≤ 0.05). This discouraged regeneration and recruitment of woody vegetation. To conclude, gold mining system converted vegetated sites and farmlands into dysfunctional landscape. Therefore, we suggest that combined rehabilitation efforts are required to overcome the challenges of artisanal gold mining on sustainable land management in northern Ethiopia.
Does Socio‐Spatial Segregation Matter? ‘Islands’ of High Romany Fertility in Slovakia
Authors: Šprocha Branislav , Bleha Branislav 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe level of fertility in the majority of European countries is deeply below the replacement level. On the other hand, in the case of some ethnic groups, fertility continues to be on an above‐average level. One such example is the Romany population of Slovakia, especially those in very poor, segregated settlements. Very likely, there are strong interconnections between regional disparities, social and cultural segregation and reproduction of Romany. The study tries to discover them. We perform factor and cluster analyses in order to identify major factors which differentiate and create clusters in the set of 79 Slovak local administrative unit (LAU‐1) districts from the view point of above‐replacement fertility levels. Using the transversal and cohort approaches, another aim is to identify major specificities of Romany reproduction and the range of lag behind the majority population in terms of demographic transition. The concept of ‘high fertility trap’ is presented in this respect.
Much Ado About Something? An Appraisal of the Relationship Between Smart City and Smart Specialisation Policies
Authors: Caragliu Andrea , Del Bo Chiara 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSmart policies at the urban (smart city initiatives) and the regional (smart specialisation Strategies, S3) level, both fostered by the need to better spend the reduced budget available for EU policy‐making, have recently gained much attention. While some attempts have been made to explore the growth potential of the two policies separately, no empirical analysis has considered their joint contribution to regional growth. This paper identifies two types of development (measured as 2008–2010 GDP growth) effects associated to smart policies: one, short‐run, associated to urban smartness initiatives, and a second, long run, linked to S3. Instrumental variables estimates are used to support the conceptual framework suggested for the link between these two types of policies, which are both found to have a positive impact on regional economic performance.