bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interactions and user‐perceived helpfulness in diet information social questions & answers
Authors: Zhang Yin , Wang Peilin 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundOnline health information seeking using social questions and answers (Social Q&A) sites has been increasingly popular in recent years. It calls for better understanding of health information seeking behaviour and interactions between information seekers and information providers.ObjectivesThe study investigates how diet information seekers interact with information providers on WebMD Answers, which is a Social Q&A site devoted to health‐related topics, and examines the factors that constitute a ‘helpful’ answer from an information seeker's perspective.MethodsBales’ interaction process analysis was applied as the framework to analyse 568 diet‐related Q&As from WebMD Answers to identify interaction patterns.ResultsMost diet information seekers post questions anonymously and without any detailed description. Individual experts or health organisations provide most answers. Overall, answers are positively received and had a high satisfaction rating. It was also found that information seeker‐perceived helpfulness does not depend on who answered the question but to how an information seeker posted the question.ConclusionsThis study indicates that answers at WebMD Answers are helpful for diet information seekers. It sheds new light on the interactions during the Q&A process, preferred site functions and important factors that contribute to perceived helpful answers.
Independent older adults perspectives on oral health
Authors: Khabra KK , Compton SM , Keenan LP 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore oral health experiences from the perspective of older adults’ living in community dwellings. The two objectives of this study were to identify facilitators and barriers to oral health care, and to determine how utilization of oral health services compares to utilization of other healthcare services.MethodologyAn interpretive descriptive methodology was employed with a purposive sample of 12 adults, aged 70 years or older. The inclusion criterion was English‐speaking seniors residing in community dwellings. Community dwellings were defined as any housing outside of long‐term care or other supportive living facilities. Semi‐structured interviews were 30–80 min, audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Three researchers participated in the comparative analysis process to develop codes, generate categories, interpret patterns and construct themes.ResultsThree central themes surfacing from the data were as follows: life course influences on oral health, transparency in delivery of oral health services and interrelationships between oral health and overall health.ConclusionsOlder adults in this study emphasized the value of establishing collaborative and trusting relationships between oral health practitioners and older adults. Oral health practitioners should be clear and transparent when communicating information about oral health costs and be cognizant of different circumstances from childhood to older adulthood that inhibit or promote routine utilization of oral health services. Including oral health services as part of interdisciplinary care teams could help promote understandings of the reciprocal relationship between oral health and general health and improve oral health status for older adults.
Analytical comparison between two hematological analyzer systems: CAL‐8000 vs. XN‐9000
Authors: Buoro S. , Mecca T. , Seghezzi M. , Manenti B. , Azzarà G. , Dominoni P. , Crippa A. , Ottomano C. , Lippi G. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryIntroductionThis study was aimed to compare the analytical performance of traditional and new parameters and morphological flags of CAL‐8000 and XN‐9000. The automated differential leukocyte count (DIFF profile) and morphological flags were compared with optical microscopy (OM).MethodsA total of 1025 peripheral blood samples, collected in K3EDTA tubes, were analyzed by CAL‐8000, by XN‐9000, and by OM. Within‐run imprecision was performed in low cellularity samples. The comparison was made using Spearman's correlation, Passing–Bablok regression, Bland–Altman bias, and Cohen's K test.ResultsWithin‐run imprecision in low cellularity samples yielded reproducible data between the instruments (imprecision was higher than 10% on samples with platelet count <21 × 109/L using impedance technology). Passing–Bablok regression (CAL‐8000 vs. XN‐9000) yielded slopes ranging between 0.2 to 1.16 and intercepts from −6.54 to 21.63. The bias for leukocytes parameters ranged from −1.8% to −82.2%, the red blood cell parameters from −2.9% to 3.1%, platelets parameters from −27.8% to 26%, and reticulocyte parameters from −115.3% to 4.5%. The comparison of morphological flags yielded a K value always <0.55.The DIFF profile vs. OM had a Passing–Bablok regression with slopes ranging between 0.34 to 1.00 and intercepts from −0.01% to 0.11 and bias ranging from −42.9% to 2.6% for XN‐9000 parameters and from −2.7% to 35.0% for CAL‐8000 parameters. The comparison of morphological flags showed a K value ranging from 0.35 to 0.77 for XN‐9000 and from 0.17 to 0.54 for CAL‐8000.ConclusionDifferences exist between the two analyzers, especially in the generation of morphology flags, thus emphasizing the need of pursuing a major degree of harmonization and/or adopting instrument‐specific reference ranges.
Molecular characterizations of natalisin and its roles in modulating mating in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)
Authors: Gui S.‐H. , Jiang H.‐B. , Liu X.‐Q. , Xu L. , Wang J.‐J. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractInitially, natalisin (NTL) was identified from three holometabolous insect species, Drosophila melanogaster, Tribolium castaneum and Bombyx mori, and was documented to regulate reproductive behaviours in D. melanogaster and T. castaneum. In this study, we report the sequences of the NTL precursor and its receptor (NTLR) from an important agricultural pest, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). NTLR is a typical G‐protein coupled receptor and phylogenetic analysis showed that B. dorsalis NTLR was closely related to insect natalisin receptors from other species. A functional assay of NTLR transiently expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells showed that it was activated by putative natalisin mature peptides in a concentration‐dependent manner, with 50% effective concentrations (EC50) at nanomolar or micromolar levels. As indicated by quantitative real‐time PCR, both NTL and NTLR had the highest expression in the central nervous system of B. dorsalis compared with the other tested tissues. Three pairs of adult brain neurones of B. dorsalis were identified with immunohistochemical antibody staining against D. melanogaster NTL4, and in situ hybridization with specific DNA probes. Moreover, RNA interference mediated by double‐stranded RNA injection in adults provided evidence for the important roles of NTL in regulating both male and female mating frequencies in this fly.
Intestinal mononuclear cells primed by systemic interleukin‐12 display long‐term ability to aggravate colitis in mice
Authors: Pedrotti Luciano P. , Sena Angela A. , Rodriguez Galán María Cecilia , Cejas Hugo , Correa Silvia G. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryTo address whether the burst of systemic interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) influences intestinal inflammation elicited by luminal stimuli, we induced IL‐12 release by cDNA injection in C57BL/6 mice and simultaneously started dextran sulphate sodium administration. The sequence of the inflammatory response triggered by IL‐12 release was characterized by assessing myeloperoxidase activity and histological damage in colon samples on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 after colitis induction. To evaluate the persistence of IL‐12 priming, colitis was induced in mice 7 or 60 days after cDNA injection. Under IL‐12 influence, the development of acute colitis presented a faster and selective infiltration of inflammatory mononuclear cells in the lamina propria. Recruitment was driven by systemic cytokines rather than luminal antigens. Interestingly, when colitis was triggered 7 or 60 days after the cytokine storm, cells maintained the ability to worsen clinical signs of intestinal inflammation. Together, a systemic IL‐12 burst effectively primed intestinal cells that became more prone to develop inflammatory responses. Activation was long‐lasting because intestinal cells maintained their inflammatory potential and their ability to aggravate colitis.
The Ethics of Germline Gene Editing
Authors: Gyngell Christopher , Douglas Thomas , Savulescu Julian 
Published: November 2016

AbstractGermline Gene Editing (GGE) has enormous potential both as a research tool and a therapeutic intervention. While other types of gene editing are relatively uncontroversial, GGE has been strongly resisted. In this article, we analyse the ethical arguments for and against pursuing GGE by allowing and funding its development. We argue there is a strong case for pursuing GGE for the prevention of disease. We then examine objections that have been raised against pursuing GGE and argue that these fail. We conclude that the moral case in favour of pursuing GGE is stronger than the case against. This suggests that pursuing GGE is morally permissible and indeed morally desirable.
Obesity‐related male genital lichen sclerosus
Authors: Doiron P.R. , Bunker C.B. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundObesity is increasing. Male genital lichen sclerosus (MGLSc) is almost exclusively a disease of the uncircumcised. An apparent increasing challenge is MGLSc in previously circumcised obese males.ObjectivesTo characterise patients with obesity‐related MGLSc.MethodsCase chart review of patients managed in specialist clinics.ResultsNineteen patients with obesity‐related MGLSc were identified. All had been previously circumcised. 16 (84%) acknowledged urinary microincontinence (‘dribbling’). 14 (74%) remitted with medical treatment and 5 (26%) needed specialised surgery.ConclusionsMale genital lichen sclerosus can complicate obesity in previously circumcised patients. Management requires dermatological and specialist urological input, and can be challenging, but effective. The phenomenon increases the evidence for the role of the occlusive influence of urine in the pathogenesis of MGLSc.
Pittsburgh Compound‐B (PiB) binds amyloid β‐protein protofibrils
Authors: Yamin Ghiam , Teplow David B. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) includes amyloid plaque formation by the amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) and intracellular paired helical filament formation by tau protein. These neuropathogenetic features correlate with disease progression and have been revealed in brains of AD patients using positron emission tomography (PET). One of the most useful positron emission tomography imaging agents has been Pittsburgh Compound‐B (PiB). However, since its introduction in 2002, substantial evidence has accumulated suggesting that Aβ oligomerization and protofibril formation, rather than fibril formation per se, may be the more important pathogenetic event in AD. Detecting protofibrils and oligomeric forms of Aβ thus may be of value. We report here the results of experiments to determine whether PiB binds to oligomers or protofibrils formed by Aβ40 and Aβ42. We observed strong binding to Aβ42 fibrils, significant binding to protofibrils, and weaker binding to Aβ42 oligomers. PiB also binds Aβ40 fibrils, but its binding to Aβ40 protofibrils and oligomers is substantially lower than for that observed for Aβ42.
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Tadalafil 5 mg Once Daily Improves Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: WANG Yilin , BAO Yiping , LIU Jie , DUAN Lijun , CUI Yuanshan 
Published: November 2016

ObjectivesWe carried out a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess tadalafil 5 mg once‐daily for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED).MethodsA literature review was performed to identify all published randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials of tadalafil 5 mg once‐daily for the treatment of LUTS and ED. The search included the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. The reference lists of the retrieved studies were also investigated.ResultsThirteen publications involving a total of 3973 patients were used in the analysis, including 13 RCTs that compared tadalafil 5 mg once‐daily with placebo. We found that tadalafil 5 mg once‐daily was effective in improving LUTS suggestive of BPH and treating ED over 12 weeks in our meta‐analysis. Total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) (SMD = − 2.02, 95% CI = − 2.52 to −1.53, P < 0.00001); Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index (BPH‐II) (SMD = −0.58, 95% CI = −0.84 to −0.33, P < 0.00001); International Index of Erectile Function‐erectile function (IIEF) domain (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 5.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.13–6.23, P < 0.00001) indicated that tadalafil 5 mg once‐daily was more effective than the placebo. Safety assessments included discontinuations due to adverse event (odds ratio (OR) = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.12–2.85, P = 0.01) indicated that tadalafil 5 mg once‐daily was well tolerated.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis indicates that tadalafil 5 mg once‐daily to be an effective treatment for LUTS and ED with a low occurrence of side effects.
Evaluation of Usefulness of Propiverine Hydrochloride in Poor Responders to Previous Anticholinergics
Authors: MASUMORI Naoya , FUNATO Yuya , YAMAGUCHI Yasunobu , ITOH Kunio 
Published: November 2016

ObjectivesIn recent years, some patients have been unresponsive to anticholinergics used in the treatment of pollakisuria/urinary incontinence. It has been suggested that propiverine hydrochloride, which has not only anticholinergic activity, but also calcium antagonistic activity, may be useful in poor responders to other anticholinergics. In this study, a specific drug use–results survey was conducted in poor responders to other anticholinergics to evaluate the usefulness of propiverine hydrochloride.MethodsIn this survey, propiverine hydrochloride was administered for 12 weeks to poor responders to previous anticholinergics, and its usefulness was evaluated by the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS).ResultsA total of 3851 subjects at 680 institutions were enrolled in the survey. Of the 3624 subjects included in the safety evaluation (male 1899, female 1725, mean age 73.4 years), 2932 were included in the efficacy evaluation (male 1610, female 1322, mean age 73.8 years). Propiverine hydrochloride significantly improved the OABSS without any safety concerns in poor responders to previous anticholinergics (OABSS, 8.22 at baseline, 6.50 at Week 4, 5.87 at Week 8, and 5.57 at Week 12, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe present findings indicate that propiverine hydrochloride may be a useful therapeutic option for poor responders to previous anticholinergics.
Testing of a New Portable Device for Dynamic Bladder Pressure Monitoring
Authors: LIU Lingfeng , ZHAO Kang , CHEN Fan , WU Jian , YANG Zhaofeng , CHEN Ming , MAO Linbo , HAN Jiurong 
Published: November 2016

ObjectiveTo develop a portable dynamic bladder pressure monitoring device for facilitating the monitoring of bladder detrusor pressure in patients with neurogenic bladder (NB) caused by spinal cord injury and further compared the effect with traditional urodynamics devices.MethodsPortable dynamic bladder pressure monitoring device was implemented by software and hardware. The hardware was mainly composed of seven parts, such as micro liquid pressure sensor, electric bridge amplifying circuit, clock module, SD card storage circuit, liquid crystal display circuit, touch circuit, controller circuit and so on. The main program of the software included system initialization, data acquisition, storage, display, alarm, etc. A total of 45 patients with neurogenic bladder caused by spinal cord injury were enrolled in the study. Detrusor pressure was measured with the portable device and traditional urodynamics device.ResultsThe test‐retest reliability of the portable device was modest in two times test (intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.852), no significant difference was found in the results of volume perfusion evaluation between our device and conventional urodynamic (each P > 0.05).ConclusionThe portable dynamic bladder pressure monitoring device is conducive to the dynamic monitoring of bladder pressure in patients with neurogenic bladder caused by spinal cord injury.
Serum Testosterone Levels Are Negatively Correlated with International Prostate Symptom Score and Transitional Prostate Volume
Authors: SHIM Ji S. , KIM Jae H. , YOON Yong S. , CHOI Hoon , PARK Jae Y. , BAE Jae H. 
Published: November 2016

ObjectivesTo investigate the correlation of serum total testosterone levels with International Prostate Symptom Score and prostate volume in aging men.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in 50 men who had participated in a medical examination. Prostate specific antigen levels, International Prostate Symptom Score, total/transitional prostate volume, body mass index, maximal flow rate, and serum total testosterone levels were evaluated. The correlation between serum total testosterone levels and additional parameters was statistically analyzed.ResultsThe median age and total testosterone levels were 60.4 years (interquartile range: 55.0–68.0 years) and 4.3 ng/mL (interquartile range: 3.6–5.1 ng/mL), respectively. Total testosterone levels showed a significant negative correlation with body mass index, transitional prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score (including voiding/storage sub scores). On multivariate linear regression models, the total testosterone level was associated with body mass index and total International Prostate Symptom Score.ConclusionsAs total testosterone levels decrease, both International Prostate Symptom Score and transitional prostate volume increase significantly. These findings provide evidence of the presence of more severe lower urinary tract symptoms and larger transitional prostate volume in aging men.
Kv1.3 channels facilitate the connection between metabolism and blood flow in the heart
Authors: Ohanyan Vahagn , Yin Liya , Bardakjian Raffi , Kolz Christopher , Enrick Molly , Hakobyan Tatevik , Luli Jordan , Graham Kathleen , Khayata Mohamed , Logan Suzanna , Kmetz John , Chilian William M. 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTThe connection between metabolism and flow in the heart, metabolic dilation, is essential for cardiac function. We recently found redox‐sensitive Kv1.5 channels play a role in coronary metabolic dilation; however, more than one ion channel likely plays a role in this process as animals null for these channels still showed limited coronary metabolic dilation. Accordingly, we examined the role of another Kv1 family channel, the energetically linked Kv1.3 channel, in coronary metabolic dilation. We measured myocardial blood flow (contrast echocardiography) during norepinephrine‐induced increases in cardiac work (heart rate x mean arterial pressure) in WT, WT mice given correolide (preferential Kv1.3 antagonist), and Kv1.3‐null mice (Kv1.3−/−). We also measured relaxation of isolated small arteries mounted in a myograph. During increased cardiac work, myocardial blood flow was attenuated in Kv1.3−/− and in correolide‐treated mice. In isolated vessels from Kv1.3−/− mice, relaxation to H2O2 was impaired (vs WT), but responses to adenosine and acetylcholine were equivalent to WT. Correolide reduced dilation to adenosine and acetylcholine in WT and Kv1.3−/−, but had no effect on H2O2‐dependent dilation in vessels from Kv1.3−/− mice. We conclude that Kv1.3 channels participate in the connection between myocardial blood flow and cardiac metabolism.
Robust Min‐system oscillation in the presence of internal photosynthetic membranes in cyanobacteria
Authors: MacCready Joshua S. , Schossau Jory , Osteryoung Katherine W. , Ducat Daniel C. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryThe oscillatory Min system of Escherichia coli defines the cell division plane by regulating the site of FtsZ‐ring formation and represents one of the best‐understood examples of emergent protein self‐organization in nature. The oscillatory patterns of the Min‐system proteins MinC, MinD and MinE (MinCDE) are strongly dependent on the geometry of membranes they bind. Complex internal membranes within cyanobacteria could disrupt this self‐organization by sterically occluding or sequestering MinCDE from the plasma membrane. Here, it was shown that the Min system in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 oscillates from pole‐to‐pole despite the potential spatial constraints imposed by their extensive thylakoid network. Moreover, reaction‐diffusion simulations predict robust oscillations in modeled cyanobacterial cells provided that thylakoid network permeability is maintained to facilitate diffusion, and suggest that Min proteins require preferential affinity for the plasma membrane over thylakoids to correctly position the FtsZ ring. Interestingly, in addition to oscillating, MinC exhibits a midcell localization dependent on MinD and the DivIVA‐like protein Cdv3, indicating that two distinct pools of MinC are coordinated in S. elongatus. Our results provide the first direct evidence for Min oscillation outside of E. coli and have broader implications for Min‐system function in bacteria and organelles with internal membrane systems.
Staphylococcus aureus requires at least one FtsK/SpoIIIE protein for correct chromosome segregation
Authors: Veiga Helena , Pinho Mariana G. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryFaithful coordination between bacterial cell division and chromosome segregation in rod‐shaped bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, is dependent on the DNA translocase activity of FtsK/SpoIIIE proteins, which move DNA away from the division site before cytokinesis is completed. However, the role of these proteins in chromosome partitioning has not been well studied in spherical bacteria. Here, it was shown that the two Staphylococcus aureus FtsK/SpoIIIE homologues, SpoIIIE and FtsK, operate in independent pathways to ensure correct chromosome management during cell division. SpoIIIE forms foci at the centre of the closing septum in at least 50% of the cells that are close to complete septum synthesis. FtsK is a multifunctional septal protein with a C‐terminal DNA translocase domain that is not required for correct chromosome management in the presence of SpoIIIE. However, lack of both SpoIIIE and FtsK causes severe nucleoid segregation and morphological defects, showing that the two proteins have partially redundant roles in S. aureus.